FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, at approx. 1:30 AM Dekalb County 911 received a call regarding an apparent explosion that had taken place at a residence in the 45000 block of HWY 75 near the Painter Community. Dekalb County Deputies along with Officers from Geraldine, Crossville, Fyffe, and Collinsville Police Departments responded. Geraldine, Crossville, Kilpatrick, and Grove Oak Fire Departments also responded along with Dekalb Ambulance Service.

Upon arrival, Law Enforcement Officers found James Arnold Wilson (63 of Crossville) deceased with an apparent gunshot wound, and the residence aflame. Fire Service Personnel began battling the fire, Deputies and Officers secured the scene and the Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit responded.

After the fire was contained, Investigators processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The fire was determined to be the result of an intentional explosion and Wilson was determined to have died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics, Geraldine Police Department, and all fire service personnel assisted greatly in this case.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "We pray that the Lord be with this family as they mourn the loss of their loved one, comfort them with your love and the peace only you can give."

"We would like to thank all first responders with DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Geraldine, Crossville, Fyffe and Collinsville Police Department's, Geraldine, Crossville, Kilpatrick and Grove Oak Fire Department's, and DeKalb Ambulance Service."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.