Homicide Investigation Underway After Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle on Schillinger Road
MOBILE, Ala. — What began as a routine call for a traffic incident quickly escalated into a homicide investigation on Wednesday evening after police discovered that a man had been intentionally struck and killed by a vehicle outside a Circle K gas station on Schillinger Road.
According to the Mobile Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 6:19 p.m. on October 8, 2025, reporting that a person had been hit by a vehicle in the parking lot of Circle K, located at 4880 Schillinger Road South. Upon arrival, responding officers were met with a disturbing scene — the suspect vehicle had already fled, reportedly with the victim still trapped underneath.
Vehicle Located Two Miles Away; Victim Found Dead
After a brief search, officers discovered the vehicle involved in the 4400 block of Dawes Lane East, roughly two miles from the initial scene. Near the vehicle, they found the body of 57-year-old Sam Walker, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that Walker had suffered fatal injuries after being struck and dragged by the fleeing vehicle.
The circumstances of Walker’s death quickly led investigators to shift from treating the incident as a traffic collision to a deliberate act of violence.
“This was not an accident,” said a Mobile Police Department spokesperson during a Thursday morning briefing. “This was an intentional act. The suspect made a conscious decision to use a vehicle as a weapon during a personal dispute that turned deadly.”
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Police say their investigation revealed that Jacob Cross, 30, was involved in an altercation with Walker shortly before the incident. The nature of the argument has not yet been fully disclosed, but officials have confirmed that the confrontation became physical before Cross allegedly got into his vehicle and intentionally ran over Walker.
Cross then fled the scene with the victim reportedly still underneath the vehicle, ultimately stopping two miles away, where the vehicle and Walker’s body were discovered.
Cross was quickly located, arrested, and transported to Mobile Metro Jail, where he is facing charges that include murder and leaving the scene of a crime involving death.
“We want the public to understand this was not a random act of violence,” police stated. “The individuals involved knew each other, and this was the result of a conflict that escalated beyond control.”
Victim Remembered as a Kind, Community-Oriented Man
Sam Walker, 57, was a long-time resident of Mobile and known by many in his neighborhood. Friends and family are struggling to come to terms with the violent nature of his death, describing him as a soft-spoken, hard-working, and well-liked member of the community.
“Sam didn’t deserve this,” said longtime friend Marcus Ellis. “He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. We’re heartbroken.”
Neighbors say Walker often frequented the Circle K where the altercation took place and believe he may have encountered Cross by chance that evening. However, the Mobile Police Department has not confirmed the motive or whether the two had an ongoing dispute.
Ongoing Investigation and Forensic Review
The homicide unit of the Mobile Police Department is actively investigating the case, reviewing surveillance footage from the gas station and nearby businesses, and speaking with witnesses who may have seen the argument unfold or observed the vehicle’s flight from the scene.
Forensic teams are also analyzing the vehicle, which remains in police custody, for additional evidence, including biological and physical trace evidence that could further confirm the events that occurred between Schillinger Road and Dawes Lane East.
Police have not disclosed whether drugs, alcohol, or other aggravating factors were involved. An autopsy is expected to be conducted by the Mobile County Coroner’s Office to determine the precise cause of death and whether the victim was still alive when he was dragged.
“We’re still putting together the timeline of events,” the department spokesperson added. “There’s still a lot of work to be done before we fully understand what led to such a senseless and violent act.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Jacob Cross remains held without bond at Metro Jail as prosecutors prepare formal charges. He is expected to make his first court appearance in the coming days. Legal experts believe Cross could face capital murder charges, depending on the circumstances and level of premeditation determined by investigators and the District Attorney’s Office.
Community Reaction
The homicide has shocked residents in the Schillinger Road corridor, an area that, while not immune to crime, is not typically associated with such gruesome and intentional violence.
“It’s disturbing,” said a local gas station employee who was working during the incident. “You see fights and arguments, but nothing like this. It’s just sad.”
Local leaders have called for calm as the investigation continues, while also emphasizing the need for de-escalation programs and community conflict resolution resources to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Call for Information
The Mobile Police Department is urging any witnesses or individuals with video footage — including from nearby traffic cameras or personal dashcams — to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mobile Police Department’s Homicide Unit or submit anonymous tips via Mobile County Crime Stoppers.
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