ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (WRBL) – Another individual is now charged with capital murder tied to a fatal home invasion that resulted in the death of a respected local father in Alexander City.
Authorities report that Joshua Etchison was officially charged with Capital Murder during a Robbery on Tuesday, July 22. Prior to this, he was already detained for his alleged role in breaking into an empty storage shed at approximately 2:00 a.m. on July 19.
Officials claim Etchison, along with Steven Abercrombie, participated in the early morning burglary. Within a few hours, Abercrombie and Etchison are accused of breaking into a residence on Washington Street, demanding cash, and fatally shooting the victim multiple times.
The victim, Toyias Gopher, was a father of three and a well-liked, well-known member of the Alexander City community. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 10:45 a.m.
Abercrombie was arrested and charged with capital murder later that evening, on July 19. Etchison remained in jail on the burglary charge until the upgraded capital murder charge was filed three days later, on July 22. Authorities have not yet explained why Etchison was charged later than Abercrombie.
Court documents previously referenced an “unknown co-defendant” in the home invasion, which now appears to be Etchison.
Etchison remains in the Tallapoosa County Jail without bond. Abercrombie was transferred to Russell County Detention on no bond.
The Tallapoosa County District Attorney’s Office has recused itself from the case, citing a conflict of interest. Abercrombie is related to an employee in the DA’s office. The case is now being handled by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
District Judge Kevin Hall has also recused himself. A special district judge has been appointed to oversee the proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.
