(Columbiana, AL) On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies and Criminal Investigators responded to the 2500 block of Highway 311 to investigate the death of 59 year old Robert Etress, of Shelby. Investigators reported that Mr. Etress was found deceased from multiple gunshot wounds at his residence.
Later in the day, Shelby County Patrol Deputies and Criminal Investigators identified 28 year old Donald Patrick Johnson as a suspect in the murder of Etress. Johnson has since been arrested and charged with Murder and is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail with no bond in accordance with Aniah's law.
Sheriff John Samaniego said, “My heart goes out to the victim’s family and those affected by this heinous crime. I am proud of the men and women of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office who worked swiftly and diligently to bring this person to justice.”
This incident is still under investigation, and Sheriff John Samaniego encourages anyone with information about this crime to please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 205-670-6000. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, or on their website at www.crimestoppersal.com.