FROM MISSING PERSON TO ATTEMPTED MURDER -Choctaw County, AL
On June 17, 2025, the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person in the Toxey area. The caller, a concerned neighbor, reported unusual activity at the residence of the missing individual that prompted further investigation. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued, and the individual—identified as Mark Edward Martin of Toxey—was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a missing person.
Sheriff’s deputies immediately began contacting regional hospitals and correctional facilities in an effort to locate Mr. Martin, but initial attempts yielded no results. As the investigation developed, deputies conducted interviews with known associates of Mr. Martin. Based on the information gathered, it was determined that the last known contact with Mr. Martin occurred at the residence of William David Carter on Shiloh Road in Toxey.
Pursuant to a lawfully obtained search warrant, deputies executed a search of the property. During that initial search, narcotics and drug paraphernalia were discovered. William David Carter was arrested at that time for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Clarke County Jail.
The following day, Choctaw County deputies, working alongside members of the First Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Task Force, used cellular forensics to ping Mr. Martin’s phone. Based on this new data, investigators obtained a second lawful search warrant to locate the device on Carter’s property.
While deputies were in a wooded area near the residence searching for the phone, they encountered a rattlesnake. As deputies discharged their firearms to neutralize the threat, they unexpectedly heard a voice cry out, “Don’t kill me! Don’t kill me!” Deputies immediately responded to the voice and discovered that it was Mark Edward Martin, who had been severely injured and appeared to have been cut and left for dead. Due to the extent of his injuries, Mr. Martin was unable to see and called out blindly for help.
Mr. Martin was found alive but in critical condition. He was immediately transported to a medical facility for emergency treatment, where he remains under care.
As a result of this ongoing investigation, William David Carter now faces additional charges, including attempted murder and assault in the first degree. He remains in custody at the Clarke County Jail.
The First Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Task Force has been instrumental in assisting the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation and search efforts.
Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, further details cannot be released at this time. The Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and will continue to pursue justice in this matter.
Choctaw County Sheriff Scott Lolley would like to commend the four full-time deputies of the Sheriff’s Office and the two officers of the Major Crimes Task Force for their unyielding determination and perseverance, which possibly saved the life of Mark Edward Martin.