Brian Lee Masterson, a 52-year-old man from Jasper, died after being shot at a residence on Allen Ridge Road in the unincorporated community of Empire on July 17, 2025. He is described as a solid, hardworking family man who loved his family and often helped others.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at the home and found Masterson fatally wounded. In the hours after the shooting, authorities identified 30-year-old Spencer Evan Warden as a suspect. K-9 units and a helicopter were deployed during a search, and Warden was taken into custody a few hours later. He has been charged with Masterson’s murder.

Officials have not released a motive or described the nature of any relationship between Masterson and Warden; the investigation remains active. If anyone knew Brian Masterson or has information about the events on Allen Ridge Road, please share what you know.