Gulf Shores, AL: Gulf Shores Woman's Death Being Treated as a Criminal Investigation

Reported by: James Gordon
Email: jgordon@local15tv.com
Last Update: 5/11 8:21 pm

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(GULF SHORES, Ala.) - Investigators did not go into detail Tuesday but say they did find evidence inside Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine's county-issued F-150.

Investigators say Nodine is still a person of interest in the death of Angel Downs, 45. She was found dead in her driveway with a gunshot to the head Sunday. Neighbors say they saw a red F-150 leaving the scene the night Downs's body was found. Police say they characterize the relationship Nodine and Downs were in as dating.

Police say they are hoping text messages between Nodine and Downs can help provide a timeline to what she was planning to do Sunday before she died. Police say the texts were not threatening in nature.

"It's like putting together a puzzle," Lt. Dennis King, Gulf Shores police, said.

Authorities also say Downs may have attempted suicide in 2006.
(GULF SHORES, Ala.) - Investigators did not go into detail Tuesday but say they did find evidence inside Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine's county-issued F-150.

Investigators say Nodine is still a person of interest in the death of Angel Downs, 45. She was found dead in her driveway with a gunshot to the head Sunday. Neighbors say they saw a red F-150 leaving the scene the night Downs's body was found. Police say they characterize the relationship Nodine and Downs were in as dating.

Police say they are hoping text messages between Nodine and Downs can help provide a timeline to what she was planning to do Sunday before she died. Police say the texts were not threatening in nature.

"It's like putting together a puzzle," Lt. Dennis King, Gulf Shores police, said.

Authorities also say Downs may have attempted suicide in 2006.

Police say the report also indicates Downs wrote a letter apologizing to friends before the attempt in 2006.

Newcomb says Downs's death is a criminal investigation but not all criminal investigations end in charges or an arrest.

Police say Nodine is a person of interest in the case, but he is not yet a suspect.

"It's listed as an attempted suicide," Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb said. "Her sister called it in as being concerned for her. I also know that her friends have maintained it was not."