Huntsville Police close investigation in deadly Retlaw Street fire

Published on August 6, 2025

A joint investigation into a deadly house fire in the 1100 block of Retlaw Street determined the incident is a murder-suicide involving a father and his child.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, just before 3 p.m., Huntsville Police officers responded to 1115 Retlaw St. to assist Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) with a residential fire. Firefighters discovered the bodies of a 21-year-old man and a 23-month-old child, in a bedroom.

HFR’s Fire Marshal, along with HPD’s General Investigations and Major Crimes Units, initiated a joint investigation.

Evidence at the scene, along with autopsy results from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, confirmed both victims died from gunshot wounds. A firearm recovered at the scene was determined to be the weapon used.

HPD urges anyone struggling with mental health to seek support. Help is available through local resources such as WellStone, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or by speaking with trusted friends or family.