Two Dead in Murder-Suicide at Industrial Plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

An apparent murder-suicide has claimed two lives in West Alabama.

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The shooting was reported at 11:32 Monday night when Tuscaloosa Police were called to the parking lot of Dixie Pulp and Paper, located at 1330 Commerce Drive. When officers arrived, they found two deceased males at the scene.

"The incident occurred after a shift change, and both subjects were employed by the plant.  The shooting was witnessed and also captured on video.  It is apparent that the shooter shot the victim multiple times, and then turned the gun on himself, committing suicide," said Captain Jack Kennedy, Commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.

The victim was identified as 33-year-old Sean Michael Barrett and the VCU identified the shooter as 27-year-old Demorius Mondreal Polke.

Kennedy said the scene is still being processed and follow-up interviews are being conducted at this time.

"There is no reason to believe that there are any more suspects at large, or any ongoing danger to the public.  Any possible motives are under investigation and will not be released at this time," Kennedy said.

Dixie Pulp & Paper, Inc. released a statement Tuesday expressing condolences for all affected by the shooting.

"The Dixie Pulp & Paper family is grieving the loss of two associates. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragic incident, including our team members as well as the family and friends of the victims. We will provide our employees with counseling and other resources as we all deal with the aftermath of Monday night’s fatalities, which occurred in the parking lot outside our Tuscaloosa plant during a shift change. Special thanks to the emergency first responders whose prompt and skillful assistance is deeply appreciated. We are grateful for the support of our community in this sorrowful time and wish to safeguard the privacy of the victims and their loved ones. Thank you."