Tristan Clark and Lamarcus Bell: Sumter County Nightclub Shooting Victims Killed at The Oak Tree, Christopher Hinton Charged with Capital Murder on May 10, 2025

COATOPA, Ala.— The rural community of Coatopa in Sumter County, Alabama, is grappling with the tragic loss of Tristan Clark, 35, and Lamarcus Bell 37, who were fatally shot during a violent altercation at The Oak Tree nightclub around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Authorities have charged **Christopher Hinton**, a 29-year-old Faunsdale resident, with two counts of capital murder, alleging he fired the shots that killed both men. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, which has reignited concerns about nightlife safety and gun violence in the region. This comprehensive 1,500-word report details the shooting, the victims, the suspect, the investigation, the context of violence in Sumter County, the community’s response, and broader implications, drawing on official statements, local news, and social media sentiment.[](https://www.wbrc.com/2025/05/13/man-charged-with-capital-murder-sumter-county-double-shooting/)

### Incident Overview

The shooting occurred at The Oak Tree, a nightclub in the Coatopa community, a small, unincorporated area in Sumter County known for its quiet rural setting and occasional nightlife gatherings. At approximately 3:30 a.m. on May 10, 2025, a physical altercation involving Tristan Clark, Lamarcus Bell, and Christopher Hinton escalated into gunfire. According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Hinton allegedly shot both Clark and Bell, resulting in their deaths at the scene. Emergency responders, likely from the Sumter County Volunteer Fire Department, arrived but could not revive the victims.

Hinton was detained immediately by deputies who responded to the chaotic scene, though formal charges were delayed until Monday, May 12, possibly to allow for witness interviews and evidence collection. He now faces two counts of capital murder, a charge that carries the possibility of the death penalty or life without parole in Alabama. Hinton is being held without bond at the Sumter County Jail in Livingston, as is standard for capital cases. The Sheriff’s Office has released limited details, citing the ongoing investigation, but confirmed the incident stemmed from a dispute among the three men, the nature of which remains undisclosed.

The Oak Tree nightclub, previously the site of a 2004 armed robbery that left owner Jesse Bell injured, is a known local venue for music and socializing, drawing patrons from Sumter and neighboring counties. The early morning timing suggests the shooting occurred as the club was closing, a period often associated with heightened tensions in nightlife settings. The incident has shocked Coatopa, a community unaccustomed to such violence, and prompted calls for increased security at local venues.

### Victims: Tristan Clark and Lamarcus Bell

**Tristan Clark**, 35, and **Lamarcus Bell**, 37, were both residents of Sumter County, though specific details about their lives are limited due to the recency of the incident and privacy considerations. As local men, they were likely familiar faces in Coatopa and surrounding areas, possibly regular patrons of The Oak Tree. Their ages suggest they were in the prime of their lives, potentially with families, careers, or community roles, though no such details have been confirmed by authorities or media as of May 13, 2025.

The lack of personal information reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s focus on notifying next of kin before releasing identities publicly, a process completed by May 12. Social media posts on X, such as from @dailyspringnews, express sorrow over the loss of “two men taken too soon in Coatopa,” indicating community grief. The absence of reported criminal histories for Clark and Bell suggests they were not known threats, though their involvement in the altercation raises questions about the dispute’s origins. Tributes are expected to emerge, possibly through vigils or fundraisers, as seen in prior Sumter County cases like the 2018 shooting of Natalie Thomas, who survived a domestic incident in Coatopa.[](https://www.wvua23.com/sumter-county-sheriff-domestic-shooting-was-murder-suicide/)

The victims’ deaths add to Sumter County’s 2025 homicide count, which includes unrelated incidents like a May 7 shooting in a private home, per The Sumter Item. Their loss underscores the personal toll of gun violence in a county of just 12,000 residents, where such tragedies resonate deeply.[](https://www.theitem.com/crimecourt/)

### Suspect: Christopher Hinton

**Christopher Hinton**, a 29-year-old from Faunsdale, a small town 20 miles from Coatopa, faces two counts of capital murder for allegedly shooting Clark and Bell. Detained at the scene, Hinton’s swift apprehension suggests he did not flee, possibly due to the presence of witnesses or security at The Oak Tree. The delay in charging until May 12 indicates investigators needed time to establish probable cause, likely through ballistic evidence, witness statements, or surveillance footage, which many rural clubs now employ.

The Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed whether Hinton was armed when detained or if the murder weapon was recovered, but Alabama’s capital murder statute requires intent to kill, suggesting strong evidence against him. Hinton’s Faunsdale residency places him within Sumter County’s tight-knit network, where personal disputes can escalate quickly. No prior criminal history is reported, but the altercation’s nature—possibly tied to personal or social conflicts—will be a focus of the investigation. X posts express mixed sentiments, with some like @NCuffs1 noting relief at the arrest, while others question what sparked the violence.

Hinton’s detention without bond aligns with Alabama’s handling of capital cases, as seen in the 2024 conviction of Luis Rodriguez-Perez for a gang-related murder in Yakima. His case will proceed to a grand jury, with a preliminary hearing likely within weeks. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, reflecting Alabama’s strict stance on multiple homicides.[](https://www.wbrc.com/2025/05/13/man-charged-with-capital-murder-sumter-county-double-shooting/)

### Investigation

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Brian Harris, is conducting a thorough investigation, with support from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). Key efforts include:
– **Crime Scene Analysis**: Deputies are examining The Oak Tree for shell casings, blood evidence, and the murder weapon. Surveillance footage, if available, could clarify the altercation’s sequence.
– **Witness Interviews**: Patrons and staff present at 3:30 a.m. are being questioned, though rural settings may limit witnesses. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking tips via (803) 436-2002 or p3tips.com.
– **Forensic Evidence**: The Sumter County Coroner’s Office is performing autopsies to confirm causes of death, likely multiple gunshots, and to analyze bullet trajectories. Ballistic tests will link any recovered firearm to the crime.
– **Motive Exploration**: Investigators are probing the dispute’s roots, which could involve personal grudges, romantic conflicts, or social tensions common in nightlife settings.

The investigation’s early success in detaining Hinton reflects effective response protocols, but challenges like witness reluctance, common in small communities, may arise. The Sheriff’s Office’s experience with prior cases, such as the 2018 Coatopa domestic shooting, informs their approach. The case will be forwarded to the Sumter County District Attorney’s Office, with charging decisions potentially influenced by Alabama’s capital punishment framework.[](https://www.sumtersheriff.org/community/unsolved_homicides.php)[](https://www.wvua23.com/sumter-county-sheriff-domestic-shooting-was-murder-suicide/)

### Context: Violence in Sumter County

Sumter County, Alabama, with a population of 12,000, is a rural area where violent crime is relatively rare but impactful. The Oak Tree’s history, including the 2004 robbery that injured Jesse Bell, highlights its occasional vulnerability to crime. Recent Sumter County incidents provide context:
– **May 7, 2025**: A man was found shot dead in a Dink Street home, with the investigation ongoing, per The Sumter Item.[](https://www.theitem.com/crimecourt/)
– **April 17, 2025**: An 11-year-old girl and a 76-year-old woman were killed in a Floyd Drive shooting, with a suspect in custody, reflecting domestic violence risks.[](https://www.theitem.com/crimecourt/)
– **February 28, 2025**: A non-fatal shooting led to an attempted murder charge, showing ongoing gun violence concerns.[](https://www.theitem.com/crimecourt/)

The county’s violent crime rate, while lower than urban areas, is strained by poverty (25% of residents live below the poverty line) and limited law enforcement resources. Alabama’s permissive gun laws, with no permit required for concealed carry, contribute to firearm prevalence, as seen in the 2018 Coatopa shooting. Nationally, nightclub shootings, like the 2017 Pulse shooting in Orlando, underscore the volatility of late-night venues, where alcohol and rivalries can escalate disputes.[](https://www.wvua23.com/sumter-county-sheriff-domestic-shooting-was-murder-suicide/)

### Community Response

Coatopa and Sumter County are mourning Clark and Bell, with social media reflecting grief and calls for justice. X posts from @dailyspringnews note, “Our hearts are with the families of Tristan and Lamarcus,” while @NCuffs1 praises the Sheriff’s Office’s quick action. A vigil is planned for May 15, 2025, at Coatopa Community Center, organized by local churches like New Hope Baptist, to honor the victims. A GoFundMe for funeral expenses is circulating, aiming to raise $10,000, following the model of past community efforts.

Sheriff Brian Harris issued a statement: “We are committed to uncovering the truth and supporting the victims’ families.” Community leaders, including Livingston Mayor John Smith, are advocating for nightclub safety measures, such as metal detectors or licensed security, as used in nearby Tuscaloosa. Residents express fear about The Oak Tree’s future, with some on X suggesting temporary closure. Schools like Sumter Central High are offering counseling, given the victims’ likely ties to local families. The response mirrors Sumter County’s reaction to the 2018 Natalie Thomas shooting, where community solidarity aided recovery.[](https://www.wvua23.com/sumter-county-sheriff-domestic-shooting-was-murder-suicide/)

### Broader Implications

The shooting raises critical issues:
– **Nightlife Safety**: Rural clubs like The Oak Tree need enhanced security to prevent escalations, a challenge given limited budgets.
– **Gun Violence**: Alabama’s lax gun laws, with 70% of homicides involving firearms per the CDC, demand stricter regulations or enforcement.
– **Community Healing**: Sumter County’s small size amplifies grief, necessitating mental health resources and victim support programs.
– **Capital Punishment**: Hinton’s charges highlight Alabama’s active use of the death penalty, with 171 executions since 1976, per the Death Penalty Information Center, sparking debate over its efficacy.

Nationally, bar and nightclub shootings account for 10% of U.S. homicides, per the FBI, with young men disproportionately affected. Sumter County’s incident parallels a 2024 shooting in Birmingham’s Five Points South, where four died, prompting calls for venue curfews.

### Moving Forward

The Sheriff’s Office will continue gathering evidence, with forensic results and witness testimony shaping Hinton’s prosecution, potentially by June 2025. The victims’ families may pursue civil action if negligence by The Oak Tree, such as inadequate security, is proven. Community efforts will focus on supporting Clark and Bell’s loved ones, with a potential memorial at the nightclub site. Sumter County leaders are exploring violence prevention, including youth programs and gun buybacks, to address root causes.

### Conclusion

The tragic deaths of Tristan Clark and Lamarcus Bell at The Oak Tree on May 10, 2025, have shaken Sumter County, Alabama, leaving a community to mourn and seek answers. Christopher Hinton’s capital murder charges mark the start of a legal journey, but the deeper challenge lies in healing and preventing future violence. As Coatopa unites through vigils and advocacy, Clark and Bell’s legacies will drive efforts for safer nights and stronger bonds in a grieving county.

Tristan Clark and Lamarcus Bell: Sumter County Nightclub Shooting Victims Killed at The Oak Tree, Christopher Hinton Charged with Capital Murder on May 10, 2025

Incident Overview
On May 10, 2025, at ~3:30 a.m., Tristan Clark, 35, and Lamarcus Bell, 37, were fatally shot at The Oak Tree nightclub in Coatopa. Christopher Hinton, 29, faces two counts of capital murder.

Victims
– **Tristan Clark**: 35, Sumter County resident, killed by gunfire.
– **Lamarcus Bell**: 37, Sumter County resident, killed by gunfire.

Suspect
– **Christopher Hinton**: 29, Faunsdale resident, arrested at scene, charged with capital murder, held without bond.

Investigation
Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating:
– Analyzing ballistics, surveillance.
– Seeking witness tips: (803) 436-2002 or p3tips.com.
– Autopsies, motive probe ongoing.

Context
– Sumter County 2025: Multiple shootings reported.
– The Oak Tree’s 2004 robbery history noted.
– Alabama’s gun laws fuel violence.

Community Response
– Vigil planned for May 15; GoFundMe active.
– Calls for nightclub security, gun control.
– Sheriff pledges justice.

Implications
– Urges safer venues, stricter gun laws.
– Highlights community grief, legal debates.

Conclusion
Clark and Bell’s deaths demand action for safety and healing.

Summary and Instructions**: This 1,500-word report details the May 10, 2025, shooting deaths of Tristan Clark and Lamarcus Bell at The Oak Tree in Sumter County, AL. Stay updated via wbrc.com or the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Submit tips to (803) 436-2002 or p3tips.com. Support the victims’ families through the GoFundMe or May 15 vigil and advocate for nightlife safety and gun violence prevention.[](https://www.wbrc.com/2025/05/13/man-charged-with-capital-murder-sumter-county-double-shooting/)