Police say Kenya Pugh was shot after a door was forced open, while her relatives are seeking answers about how she died.
CARBON HILL, Ala. — The family of a 32-year-old woman fatally shot during an alleged home invasion in Carbon Hill is questioning the circumstances of her death as police continue investigating and await an interview with a man they say was with her.
Carbon Hill Police Chief Paul Anderson identified the woman as Kenya Pugh, who also went by Kenya Davis. Anderson said Pugh and 38-year-old Dustin Patrick Tucker were at a home Wednesday when a door was kicked open and the homeowner fired a gun. Pugh died at the scene, while Tucker left before officers arrived, police said.
The shooting has left investigators examining both the reported break-in and the homeowner’s response. Anderson said the homeowner heard a disturbance before the door opened and fired. Authorities have not announced criminal charges against the homeowner, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains open.
Pugh’s relatives have publicly questioned whether the shooting was justified. Her aunt and grandmother told WVTM that they believe Pugh was shot in the back and said she did not have a weapon. Those claims represent the family’s account, and police have not publicly released a complete forensic reconstruction of the shooting or other evidence that would independently establish Pugh’s position when she was struck.
Several shots also struck a neighboring home and vehicle, according to Anderson. No additional injuries were reported in the available accounts. Police have not released a full accounting of the physical evidence collected at the scene or said whether investigators recovered a weapon from Pugh.
The shooting followed a burglary reported at the same residence one day earlier. Police said the homeowner had been away when that break-in occurred and stayed home from work Wednesday. Anderson has said he believes Pugh and Tucker may have been connected to the earlier burglary, but authorities have not announced evidence publicly proving that allegation.
Tucker initially left the scene in a Ford pickup truck, police said. By Thursday evening, Anderson said Tucker had contacted him and agreed to meet with investigators Friday for questioning. WBRC also reported that police were working on a burglary warrant for Tucker. As of the latest reports reviewed Friday morning, authorities had not publicly confirmed that the planned interview had taken place.
Anderson has also said he believes drug use and theft may be connected to the incident, citing what he described as a broader problem in the community. Police have not released evidence establishing a specific motive for the alleged break-in, however, and no court finding has determined what led Pugh and Tucker to the residence.
Pugh’s family is mourning her death while asking investigators for a fuller explanation of the shooting. Police, meanwhile, are continuing to examine the alleged home invasion, the prior burglary and Tucker’s reported involvement. Further findings, including any charging decisions, had not been announced as of Friday morning.
Author note: Last updated October 16, 2026.