Suspect arrested in slaying of man, 40, in Jefferson County

Varlon Ray Cummings
Varlon Ray Cummings

A suspect has been arrested after a man was found dead inside a Jefferson County home Wednesday night.

Jefferson County deputies have arrested Varlon Ray Cummings, 61, in connection with the incident.

Cummings was booked Thursday into the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Detention Center on first-degree murder charges, deputies said.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of Caney Road, about 2 miles east-northeast of White Hall High School, shortly before 9:40 p.m. Wednesday in response to reports of an armed disturbance, according to a news release from the Jefferson County sheriff’s office.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered an unresponsive man, later identified as 40-year-old Joe Stewart, the release states. Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

The investigation is ongoing.

This story has been updated with the arrest of a suspect. It was originally published at 11:18 a.m.

Upcoming Events