41-year-old man stabbed to death during fight at east Alabama apartment complex

A 41-year-old man died after he was stabbed Sunday in east Alabama during a fight at an apartment complex, authorities said Wednesday.

The Lineville Police Department received a call Sunday about a fight in progress at the Timberlake Apartments, said Ashland Police Chief Joseph Stanford.

Ashland police, with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating the case after Lineville police recused themselves “due to a familial connection to some of the parties involved with the case,” Stanford.

The chief did not elaborate on the connection.

A Lineville officer who arrived on the scene found the victim suffering from an apparent stab wound.

The victim, later identified as 41-year-old Jackie Mcelarth, was taken to Clay County Hospital where he died of his injuries.

No arrests in the case were announced as of Wednesday afternoon.

The stabbing remained under investigation, and Stanford said he would not comment further on the case until more information can be released.