Family Demands Transparency and Justice in Suspicious Death of Tristan Sheppard in Centreville, Alabama

Photo of Tristan Sheppard | Provided by Family

Centreville, AL – Over a year after the tragic and suspicious death of 27-year-old Tristan Sheppard, his family continues to face stonewalling from Bibb County officials and law enforcement. Tristan died on April 6, 2024, under circumstances the family now believes involve misconduct and a potential cover-up by local authorities. The official statement from the authorities is that Tristan drowned in the Cahaba River.

Despite repeated requests, the Sheppard family has not been allowed access to the police report, body-worn camera and dashboard camera video footage, or the full autopsy findings—including photographs. Instead, they’ve been told the case must go before a Grand Jury before even basic information, or Tristan’s personal belongings, can be released. The local District Attorney has not provided any information directly to the family; however, he has indicated that he will be presenting the case before a Grand Jury. He also noted that he was looking into the investigation into the officer as well. “If this were simply an accidental drowning, why would it require a Grand Jury?” asks the family.

The official narrative claims Tristan drowned in the Cahaba River, but the family's independent review revealed multiple bruises/lacerations and other substantial injuries inconsistent with a drowning. There are also conflicting accounts from police and local sources. Some alleged Tristan was beaten, handcuffed, and shots were heard fired at the scene —contradicting statements by Centreville Police Chief Rodney Smith, who claimed there was no physical contact before he entered into the Cahaba River.

Tristan’s parents were not allowed to view or identify his body. There has been no explanation for this. Immediately, upon learning of his death, Tristan’s mother went to the hospital where he had been taken, and she was misled about his whereabouts. She was then told that she could not see her son’s body, and that she would have to wait 3–5 days until after an autopsy was performed. It has been indicated that the Alabama Department of Forensics' autopsy was completed in June 2024; however, Tristan’s family, to date, has been repeatedly denied access to the official autopsy report and photos of his body taken fresh by forensics.

Community members have expressed fear of retaliation if they speak out, saying, “People could lose their jobs.” The family calls on anyone with information or images about this incident occurring the night of April 5, 2024, into the early morning hours of April 6, 2024, to come forward and contact them directly. Your identity will be protected.

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, Tristan would have celebrated his 29th birthday—coinciding with Mother’s Day. This will mark the second Mother’s Day his mother spends without her son and without answers.

“We are calling for a thorough and independent investigation. We believe Tristan’s civil rights were violated, and we are demanding access to the truth,” the family stated. “We need national attention. We need answers.”

#JusticeForTristanSheppard #IfTheCahabaBridgeCouldSpeak #SayHisName #BibbCountyAL #BrentAL #CentrevilleAL #CivilRights

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Contact Us: Justice For Tristan Sheppard, 1-800-905-6993, justicefortristansheppard@gmail.com