LEE COUNTY (June 2, 2025) – On June 1, 2025, at approximately 7:18pm CDT, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call in reference to a shooting in the 100 block of Lee Rd. 685 N., east of Opelika. Deputies arrived on scene at approximately 7:24pm CDT and made contact with Christopher James Espey Futral (58) of Opelika. Futral was hiding behind a fence and called out to deputies, saying that he was putting his gun down and was coming out with his hands up. Futral was immediately detained and placed in a patrol unit.
Oscar Lee Eiland (58) of Opelika was located at his residence in the 100 block of Lee Rd. 685 N. with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds to the pelvic and groin area. Deputies performed CPR on Eiland until EMS arrived on the scene. He was transported by ambulance to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators recovered a .243 caliber bolt action hunting rifle and multiple spent shell casings from the yard at Futral’s residence. It was determined that Futral shot the victim from a perched position from approximately 75 yards away. He admitted to the shooting but stated he missed his intended target.
Futral was arrested and charged with Murder. He is being held in the Lee County Detention Center with no bond, awaiting an Aniah’s Law Hearing.
Anyone with information about the 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).
