UPDATE: FIRST COTTONDALE HOME INVASION SUSPECT ARRESTED

TUSCALOOSA – Investigators arrested the first suspect connected to a home invasion that resulted in the death of a 77-year-old man in Cottondale.

21-year-old Donald Augustus Clark, Jr. is charged with murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping and theft of property. He also faces other unrelated charges.

investigators believe Clark and at least one other suspect robbed and assaulted 77-year-old Willis Sample and his 73-year-old wife at their home on 55th Court East in Cottondale Wednesday night. Sample later died in the hospital from a heart attack that investigators blame on the violence and shock suffered by the elderly couple during what’s been described as a home invasion.

The suspects stole a variety of items, including a 2005 gold Mercury Marquis that was later recovered at an apartment complex in Holt.

Clark’s bonds total $285,000.00. He is also being held without bond on previous unrelated charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

If you have information related to this case contact the Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit at 205-464-8626.