CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. – A Baileyton man has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the death of Noah Waters, 49, of Cullman.
On May 13, 2023, at approximately 6 a.m., Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigators and the state fire marshal were called to the scene of a residential fire along County Road 1635. Tragically, once the fire was extinguished, a victim was discovered inside.
In accordance with standard procedure for such incidents, an autopsy was requested to determine the cause of death. The autopsy results confirmed the death was, in fact, a homicide.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office and CCSO launched a collaborative, extensive investigation, collecting evidence and piecing together the chilling events that led to the fire and the victim’s death.
According to a statement released by the CCSO, that hard work came to fruition on June 2, 2023, when 37-year-old Joseph Wayne Christiansen of Baileyton was apprehended following the issuance of warrants related to this heinous crime. Christiansen is charged with two counts of capital murder: capital murder during robbery in the first degree and capital murder during arson in the first or second degree.
Details of the case were submitted to the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office, leading to the issuance of the warrants for Christiansen’s arrest.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, identified the victim.
As the community seeks closure from this incident, the CCSO emphasizes that the investigation is still ongoing. A CCSO spokesman stated that additional information will be provided as it becomes available, in the interest of keeping the public informed and maintaining transparency.
The CCSO is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward, as it continues to seek justice for the victim and restore a sense of safety to the shaken residents of the community.
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