ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) — Dorian Bell has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for the 2021 shooting death of Amez Shipman, following a hearing held Tuesday, November 25, in Coffee County Circuit Court.
Bell stood before Judge Henry “Sonny” Reagan in the Enterprise Division, where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to an amended manslaughter charge. He was originally charged with murder.
Prosecutors said the shooting happened on May 25, 2021, during a gathering at a home on Lagoon Drive before Enterprise High School’s graduation ceremony. Witnesses reported that Bell and Shipman had been drinking and initially engaged in a playful scuffle that escalated into a fight. During the altercation, Bell pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots. Evidence indicated the first shot was fired, then additional shots followed more than 15 seconds later. Shipman was struck twice in the chest.
Bell fled the scene but was arrested shortly after by Enterprise police. His request for immunity was later denied by Judge Reagan.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Bell asked the court for a split sentence, which the judge denied.
District Attorney James Tarbox said the case underscores the dangers of mixing alcohol and firearms.
“This tragic killing never should have happened,” Tarbox said. “Regardless of whether a playful event turned into more of a fight, deadly force would never have been authorized under Alabama law in this instance. Moreover, Defendant Bell, based on his criminal history, should have never had a firearm in his possession. This case is a tragic example of what happens when people mix firearms and alcohol.” Tarbox added, “We hope that this result can help close this chapter and allow the family to turn the page to more happy memories of Mr. Shipman.”
The District Attorney’s Office thanked the Enterprise Police Department, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and Wiregrass Angel House for their work on the case.
