Police are at the scene of a Baptist church in Northport Monday afternoon investigating a death they believe may have been self-inflicted.

Almost all deaths that occur outside of a hospital setting in Tuscaloosa County are investigated by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, but their general policy is to only release detailed information on cases in which they suspect foul play.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the VCU, said they were called to Phillips Chapel Free Will Baptist Church on Mormon Road in Northport after a person was found dead there.

"We were called to the church and are currently investigating a death that appears to be a possible suicide at this time," Kennedy said. "The investigation is ongoing."

If police determine the victim did take their own life, the VCU will likely not comment on it again or publicly identify them.

Like many media outlets, the Thread generally does not report on suicides to respect the privacy of the victim's survivors, but sometimes makes exceptions to answer audience questions about visible law enforcement responses and other public safety concerns.

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Top Stories from the Tuscaloosa Thread (2/20 - 2/27)

16 of the Top Stories published by the Tuscaloosa Thread during the week of February 20th, 2023.