Man killed by "freak crossbow accident" was hunting illegally, police say

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WALA) - Orange Beach police released new details about crossbow accident that killed a Daphne man. 

The victim, 24-year-old Allen Cade Davis, was killed inside his car. Police said were two other people with Davis when the incident happened.

Police said Davis was pierced through the chest by a crossbow this weekend.

"We received a call, the police department did, around 10 Saturday night," Assistant Police Chief Gregory Duck said.

Duck was the first investigator on the scene.  He said he'd never seen anything like situation he encountered.

"It's definitely and unusual case. But after talking with the witnesses and a preliminary investigation, it appears to have been an accidental discharge of the weapon," he said.

Davis was driving with two passengers in the four-door car.  The seat behind the driver was folded down, and the loaded crossbow was in a position pointing toward the driver.  Investigators said something happened to cause the weapon to go discharge.

"That's what we're still investigating. It could have been a malfunction in the weapon, or it could have been them running over something that was rough that might have jarred it a made it go off," Duck said.

Duck said the two men and a woman were hunting for deer on Barber Marina Road.  In addition to the loaded crossbow, officials said there was also a loaded shotgun in the vehicle. 

"You can't hunt after dark," Duck said. .

He said night hunting is common is southern Baldwin County, but it's also illegal.  

"Possible charges of night hunting could be filed," he said.

Duck said he's doesn't know if any charges will be filed relating to Davis' death.  He said that will be determined by the grand jury. 

A wake will be held for Davis from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday at Jubilee Baptist Church in Daphne. The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday.