Murder Suspect Was Victim’s Cousin, Past Dispute May be Motive

Kenneth White, who stands accused of fatally shooting a man at the Fosters boat landing Saturday, was the victim's cousin, and police believe a past dispute between the two may have been motive in the killing.

Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, identified the victim as Virgin Lee Hopkins, a 50-year-old Tuscaloosa resident.

He said Hopkins and White were cousins, and the two were seen fishing at the boat landing and drinking beer together Saturday.

Kennedy said family members told investigators that White and Hopkins had a "falling out" after a disagreement in the past and said that pre-existing bad blood may have been a motive in the killing.

White, a convicted felon, was arrested and charged with murder, illegally possessing a firearm, and second-degree receiving stolen property -- the gun allegedly used Saturday had been reported stolen.

White was booked in the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where his combined bond was set at $850,000. Kennedy mentioned that bond must be set for any charge other than capital murder, and Hopkins could not be held without bond.