Alabama man convicted of beating, murdering woman whose body was found in a well

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man was found guilty Wednesday of beating and murdering a 20-year-old woman whose body was found at the bottom of a well.

WIAT-TV reports Tyler Battles was convicted this week of killing Marka "Willoe" Watkins in 2019 and abusing her corpse. According to AL.com, Battles will be sentenced November 17 and faces 10 years to life in prison.

Three other people were reportedly involved in Watkins' death. AL.com reports Devon Trent Hall pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 30 years. Battles’' wife Monic Battles and another suspect, Joseph Nevels, face trial at a later date.

According to AL.com, Watkins' grandmother reported her missing June 15, 2019. Her body was discovered July 28 after detectives received a tip and excavated a well.

WBRC-TV reports fresh cement was poured into the well to cover up the body. Nevels reportedly told investigators that Watkins allegedly stole his cell phone. Nevels allegedly hit Watkins in the head with a shotgun and she was later allegedly beaten by the other three suspects.

TuscaloosaNews.com reports Watkins' cause of death was blunt-force trauma and asphyxiation. Her body was reportedly wrapped in garbage bags.

According to WBRC, which cites court documents, Nevels reportedly told investigators Hall strangled Watkins with a cord, drove to the well, and dumped her body in it. A baseball bat was reportedly found during a search at one of the suspect’s homes.

AL.com reports Watkins' mother was murdered in 2015 by three women who allegedly held her hostage, beat her, and wanted her boyfriend’s food stamps. Watkins’ father also passed away.

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