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David Lee Smith

Age : 69

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 11/07/2025

Location : 607 Chapelwood Drive

City : Dothan

County : Houston

State : Alabama

Agency : Houston County Sheriff's Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Suicide

Event : Suicide under police duress during barricade

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 11/07/2025, Houston County Sheriff's Office deputies went to 607 Chapelwood Drive in Dothan to conduct a court-ordered eviction. Deputies contacted David Lee Smith at the front door. According to the sheriff's office, Smith shut and barricaded the door after seeing the deputies.
Deputies backed away and began activating SWAT. At approximately 9:33 a.m., deputies saw smoke coming from the residence and requested the Dothan Fire Department. Firefighters arrived to visible smoke and flames, and gunshots were heard from inside the house.
The subsequent sheriff's office investigation determined that Smith deliberately started multiple fires throughout the residence after barricading himself. Authorities said he then moved into a front room that was not burning and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies found Smith dead after they were able to safely enter the house.
The sheriff's office said Smith had recently divorced, had not been awarded the residence and had remained there despite a judge's order requiring him to leave.
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OFFICER BACKGROUND:
The deputies involved in the eviction and barricade response have not been publicly identified. Sgt. B. Barnes was identified as the official who issued the Houston County Sheriff's Office account.
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SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wtvy.com/2025/11/07/dothan-man-sets-house-fire-takes-own-life-during-eviction/