Antoine Abdallah Akl, 33, was found dead in his vehicle on a county road west of Florence, Alabama, in the early morning hours of a Friday in June 2025, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound. He lived in Toney, Alabama at the time. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office reported Akl had gone to a residence on County Road 23 to meet with a juvenile; a family member said they saw Akl and the juvenile together in Akl’s vehicle. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a confrontation followed and a single shot struck Akl. The shooter was identified as the younger brother of the juvenile who had been in the vehicle.

Investigators described the probe as ongoing and complex, noting links to other open investigations as a reason charges were delayed. Akl’s family has publicly disputed that account, holding a protest in Florence and saying he was lured and shot in the back of the neck at near point-blank range while unarmed. Their attorney criticized the investigation and said the shooter, identified as a minor, was never questioned. As of summer 2025 no arrests or charges have been announced and the Sheriff’s Office lists the case as open.

Does anyone have information about Akl’s movements that night or the residence on County Road 23?