Lee County officials have identified the man who died by suicide following a domestic violence call and a pursuit.

The incident began shortly before 7 P.M. central standard time on November 4, 2025, when the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call in reference to a domestic violence incident where the suspect was attempting to set a vehicle on fire. 

Lee County deputies arrived in the 100 block of Lee Road 831, in the Salem community of Lee County, AL, approximately ten minutes after the call and observed the suspect vehicle leaving the scene.

Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle at which time the driver fled in the vehicle.

The chase continued on Lee Road 241 in Salem until the driver came to a stop at the intersection of Lee Road 241 and Lee Road 240 where deputies were waiting.

“The driver then shot himself while seated in the vehicle,” Lee County Sheriff’s Office said. “Deputies observed a single gunshot wound to the head from what appeared to be a handgun that was located in the vehicle.”

Deputies attempted life saving measures without success. The subject was identified as 54-year-old Billy Harold Morris Jr. of Phenix City, AL.

The domestic violence incident involved Morris and his wife that began at their residence, authorities added.

“Opelika Police Department was contacted to assist in the investigation,” authorities added. “It is standard procedure for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to contact an outside agency to investigate a case whenever a firearm has been discharged in the presence of Lee County Sheriff’s deputies.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).

For those experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 9-8-8.