Prattville police investigating fatal Thanksgiving night shooting

PRATTVILLE — Police in Prattville are investigating a fatal Thanksgiving night shooting, marking the city's fourth homicide of the year.

The shooting occurred at a home in the Autauga Heights neighborhood, where a man died of an apparent gunshot wound, said Police Chief Mark Thompson.

Autauga Heights is in the police jurisdiction, the area that extends 3 miles from the city limits.

Steven Ray Welch, 51, of Autauga County, was killed, said Autauga County Coroner Buster Barber.

Charged with manslaughter in the case is Jason Wayne Popwell, 35, also of Autauga County, Thomspon said. Popwell was in the Autauga Metro Jail Friday morning and could not be reached for comment. Courthouse records show he doesn't have an attorney.

The shooting appears to be related to an episode of domestic violence, the chief said. Popwell is Welch's nephew, officials said.

Popwell remained at the home on Mims Drive after the shooting and officers had him in custody shortly after they arrived, Thompson said. There was a family gathering going on at the time of the shooting.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Prattville police investigating fatal Thanksgiving night shooting