ALDRIDGE, Shawn Michael
Shawn Michael Aldridge
Birth: September 20, 2006
Death: June 28, 2011
Obituary
Shawn Michael Aldridge, of Dothan, died on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. He was 4 years old.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2011 at Byrd Funeral Home Chapel on West Main Street. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery with Byrd Funeral Home directing. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday.
Shawn was born on September 20, 2006 in Dothan. He enjoyed riding his 10-speed and his dirt bike. He loved his little brother and sister and was a good "Big Brother" to them. Shawn was a joy to all that knew him and will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
Shawn is predeceased by a little sister, Shala Aldridge.
Shawn is survived by his parents, Chris Aldridge and Stephanie Coogle of Dothan; 6 brothers and sisters, Christopher Aldridge, Sierra Aldridge and Cheyenne Aldridge, all of Nashville, TN, Dylan Aldridge and Cali Aldridge, both of Dothan; grandparents, Teresa Coogle of Dothan and Mike Coogle of Tampa, FL, George and Gene Aldridge of Nashville, TN; a great-grandmother, Patricia Perrault of Dothan; a cousin and best friend, Payton Dabney; several other aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
Criminal Details
The Dothan Eagle
Matt Elofson - Jun 29, 2011
Two Dothan parents face criminal charges after police arrested them in the connection to the death of their 4-year-old son.
According to a Dothan police statement, police arrested Christopher Shawn Aldridge, 35, and Stephanie Nicole Coogle, 23, and charged them each with a single count of felony manslaughter.
Court records indicate Dothan police charged the two people with recklessly causing the death of Shawn Aldridge due to heat exhaustion after being left in a Ford Explorer for about nine hours.
ALLEN, Thurston Yavari
Thurston Yavari Allen
Birth: October 8, 1995
Death: April 12, 2016
Obituary
Thurston Yavari Allen was born October 8, 1995 to Carlisha and Thurston Allen in Enterprise, Alabama.
At a young age he joined and attended Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Brundidge, Alabama. He attended North High School in Wichita, Kansas and was employed by Little Ceasars. He had a sweet spirit and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved his family and was a protector of his little sister, Zyesha. With the little time he had to spare, it was spent fishing, which he truly loved.
Thurston entered into his eternal home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
He was preceded in death by one sister, NaKiya Cherelle Allen.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his parents, Carlisha and Thurston Allen, Ozark, AL; his sister, Zyesha YaMari Allen, Ozark, AL; his grandparents, Coledia Simmons, Brundidge, AL; Arthur and Carolyn Griffin, Brundidge, AL; John and Barbara Holmes, Daleville, AL; Arbra and Patricia Allen, Wichita, KS; his aunts and uncles, James Walker, Daleville, AL; Hauns (LaKrisha) Allen, Andover, KS; Kywanna (Darryl) Roberts, Wicksburg, AL; Taya (Travis) Washington, Wichita, KS; Carmeta Wheeler, Troy, AL; Cecila Wheeler, Jacksonville, FL; Yvonne Oliver, Montgomery, AL; Vickie Ardis, Brundidge, AL; Michelle Griffin, Brundidge, AL; Martoddius Bailey, Brundidge, AL; Adrian Patterson, Brundidge, AL; Byron Gaynor, Brundidge, AL; Darryl (Kena) Gaynor, Las Vegas, NV; Eddie (Carolyn) Gaynor, Brundidge, AL; Michael (Marchell) Arnold, Brundidge, AL; Billy (Mary Ann) Arnold, Smith Station, AL; and Roderick (Arnella) Mullins, Las Vegas, NV; his long life best friend, Riley Allen, Hutchinson, KS; his godparents, Willie and Jean Gray, Wichita, KS; and a host of many cousins, other relatives and friends
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Tennille, Pike County, Alabama, USA
Arrangements by Moor Chapel Funderal Home, Inc., (334) 335-3070, MooreChapel.com
Criminal Details
WTYY.com
Press Release: Enterprise Police Department - April 12, 2016
On April 11, 2016, at 6:51 PM, the Enterprise Police Department responded to a shooting at Boulevard Apartments 1320 Rucker Blvd. Enterprise, AL. Upon arrival, EPD Officers discovered a male victim with two gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition at this time.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect fled the scene driving a light in color compact car. The suspect is described as a black male in his early 20’s wearing blue jeans, red shirt, and black shoes. This is an active investigation and no further information will be released at this time.
The Enterprise Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is conducting this investigation and asks that anyone with additional information to contact the Enterprise Police Department at (334) 347-2222 or leave us a tip at www.enterprisepd.com.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Criminal Details
DothanFirst.com
Valencia Jones - Undated
The number of shootings in Enterprise continues to mount, with the first April incident at the Daleville Lounge and the second on Flemming Street. Then, on April 11, 2016, a 911 call led police to the Boulevard Apartments, where the third shooting took place.
“When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a young male with two gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to the hospital,” said Sergeant Billy Haglund with the Enterprise Police Department.
The victim was identified as Thurston Yavari Allen of Daleville, who died at the hospital hours later. A search is now underway for the suspect, who witnesses say drove away in a light-colored compact car.
"The suspect is described as a young black male in his early twenties, wearing a red shirt, blue jeans and black shoes,” Haglund said.
Haglund said the number of shootings is unusual.
"Usually, in the summertime, we have an increase in criminal activity. I think that's nationwide. But, for this time of year, I think it's pretty atypical,” he said.
There is no word yet on the relationship between the suspect and victim involved in the incident last night. The suspects in that case and in the Daleville Lounge shooting both remain at large.
"We're working with other law enforcement agencies to try and apprehend the suspect from a previous investigation, and everybody in our investigation division is pretty much working around the clock to try and run down leads and follow up and interview witnesses,” said Haglund.
Anyone with information should contact the Enterprise Police Department at 347-2222. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at www.enterprisepd.com.
Source: View DothanFirst.com Article
Criminal Details
DothanFirst.com
Valencia Jones - Dec. 12, 2016
Thurston and Carlisha Allen saw their son's alleged killer face-to-face in court on December 12, 2016 for the first time.
"He looked at me smiling and laughing. How can you look at somebody's mother that you have taken their child and smile and laugh like you have done nothing wrong,” said Carlisha.
Thomanta Jones is accused of shooting their son Yavari Allen back in April at the Boulevard Apartments in Enterprise.
Judge Chris Kaminski agreed to reduce Jones's bond from $350,000.00 $75,000.00.
"[I'm] not pleased. I'm very upset, because he's a menace. He's just a menace to society, and I feel like the bond was too low, and he's going to be out before the end of the day,” Carlisha said.
"I just can't believe it. You know, you have somebody that's got caught with drugs and fire arms and other cases, and you're letting him out on the street,” said Thurston.
The defense attorney told Kaminski there was no confession and a gun was never found. The prosecution said there was no preliminary hearing confirming those findings.
"Judge Kaminski had not heard any of the facts that we believe to be evidence against Mr. Jones in assisting us in being able to prove his guilt, so the comments that Mr. Harrison made were a bit premature in that respect. The investigation is ongoing,” said Assistant District Attorney Josh Wilson.
Kaminski said he is not allowed to comment on the case.
"All I can do is ask God to put some kindness in my heart, because right now, the Bible says you can't get into heaven with hate in your heart. I'm going to hell if I die today,” said Carlisha.
They're hoping for a different outcome at the end of the trial.
"There's still a God. It ain't over. It's a long way from being over,” she said.
Jones was still in custody at the Coffee County Jail later in the evening. If he is released on bond, the judge has required him to meet an 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew, with the exception of traveling to a job. He is also prohibited from making any contact with the Allen family.
Source: View DothanFirst.com Article
ANDERSON, Amanda Bond
Amanda Bond Anderson
Birth: November 28, 1979
Death: November 14, 2016
Obituary
Amanda Bond Anderson, 36, a resident of Dothan passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016.
A private family memorial service will be held on November 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at her mother’s home, 1496 Fletcher Smith Road, Cottonwood, AL.
Amanda was born on November 28, 1979 in Houston County and she lived in Slocomb for seventeen years and attended Slocomb High School. Amanda was employed with Pan Handle Converter and most recently with WOW. Amanda was loved by all who knew her. She enjoyed life and was known for her “Free Spirit”.
Survivors include, her daughter, Rayne Depriest; her son, Lance Depriest; her mother, Jamie (Robert Bedsole) Kratky; her father, Raymond Bond, Sr.; her daddy, Michael Kratky; her sisters, Shelley (Austin) Reynolds and Faye Muccio; her brother, Allen Bond; her grandfather, Harry Pace; her grandmother, Sylvia Pace; her husband, Lee Anderson; her step-children, Treavor Anderson and Kelsey An-derson; step-grandson, Austin; several nieces and nephews.
Testimonials
August 24, 2017:
Amanda Bond Anderson, was tradgically took from us on October 31, 2016. Her body wasn't found until November 14, 2016. Amanda was one of a kind. Always smiling and happy. Our family still is in shock. We don't know how this brutal act could happen to such a beautiful soul. We want her story to help touch as many people that are going through a domestic situation. We're hoping that what happened to Amanda will touch out to others that are also in similar relationships with ones who have anger problems. So, with that beimg said, we truly believe that Amanda helped save the next girl from this maniac. Will also pray daily that Josh Tew will get the right punishment for what he did to our sweet Amanda. Amanda was took away from her two wonderful children & two step children She also has an amazing mother and step father that has been so strong through this nightmare. Two sisters, and one brother who stil try to understand why. But only god knows why this happened to such an amazing woman.
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
Ken Curtis - Nov 14, 2016
A man was previously charged with capital murder in Amanda Anderson’s (also known as Amanda Bond) death.
Bond’s body was located near Alabama Highway 109 near the Florida state line, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Court records indicate that Anderson, 36, was struck with a large piece of wood. Joshua Tew, 29, was charged with her death following a standoff with officers October 31 even though the body had not been located.
Additional information regarding the case is expected to be released Tuesday morning.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Criminal Details
RICKEYSTOKESNEWS.com
Ricky Stokes - Nov 14, 2016
HOUSTON COUNTY: 6:30 PM. The Houston County Sheriff Department has recovered the body of 36 year old Amanda Bond.
The discovery was late this afternoon on Highway 109 just inside the Alabama line.
Since October 31 some 4,200 or more manhours have been logged in the search for Amanda Bond. Basic law enforcement work "boots on the ground" investigative work resulted in the discovery of the body.
A Sheriff Investigator who was searching saw a path and checked it out. That is when the discovery was made.
Sheriff Donald Valenza and Criminal Investigators are processing the crime scene.
PLEASE STAY AWAY.
The Sheriff is expected to hold a press conference in the morning.
UPDATED @ 8:51 PM
The people of Houston County need to know a couple of things:
- When Amanda's body was found, which does have to be confirmed through forensics, Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza "personally" went to Amanda's families home to notify them. Valenza did not send anyone, but he himself went.
- Every member of the Houston County Sheriff Department gave more than 100% effort in working to locate Amanda. From Patrol, Criminal Investigation, Vice, Communication, volunteers from many rescue, fire and individuals worked hard and long to locate Amanda.
- Sheriff Donald Valenza himself, since October 31, has been walking woods, ditches, everywhere with others looking. He did not just "send" people but he "participated" in the searches.
- Other agencies with specialities in training and equipment assisted in the search.
- Many people prayed specifically for the Sheriff Department. After the weekend searches, hope was growing thin. But the prayers worked.
- On October 31 and through that night, based on the information available to the Sheriff Department at that time, the Houston County Sheriff Department utilized every resource available to attempt to locate Amanda if she was still alive. Yes, she was found elsewhere, but based on all information available at the time, the Sheriff Department did all that could be done.
- The two most senior criminal investigators with the Sheriff Department, Sheriff Valenza and retired Alabama Bureau of Investigation Captain Barry Tucker questioned the suspect Joshua Tew before arresting him for Capital Murder. He would not provide information to assist. And if these two could not get it out of him, he was difficult.
None of the above information have I been asked to share. But the people need to know ALLOF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSTON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT and other agencies have given this case all of their focus and personal attention.
Now comes all of the cataloging of details in order to prosecute and obtain a conviction.
THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED...
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
Press Release - Oct 31, 2016
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate a 36 year old white female Amanda Anderson, aka Amanda Bond.
No further description is available.
If anyone has any information about her whereabouts, please contact our office at (334) 677-4808.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
ANDREWS, Edward Owen
Edward Owen "Eddie" Andrews"
Birth: December 4, 1984
Death: December 28, 2013
Obituary
Edward Owen "Eddie" Andrews of Samson, Alabama passed away Saturday, December 28, 2013. He was 29.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2014, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Woodie Dupree officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, January 2, from 5 until 7 p.m.
Eddie was born December 4, 1984, in San Francisco, California. He was a 2003 graduate of Louisburg High School in Louisburg, North Carolina where he enjoyed playing on the high school baseball team. He was an avid sports fan, but football and cars were his passion. He also enjoyed his animals especially his dogs.
His father, Malcolm Owen Andrews, and his two grandfathers, Stanley Catrett and Otha Malcom Andrews, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his mother, Brenda Sue Catrett Andrews; sister, Melissa Sue Andrews, both of Samson; brother, Samuel Catrett (Marjorie), Pensacola; grandmothers: Hazle Catrett, Samson, and Doreen Andrews, Louisburg, NC; special niece, Madison Fuller, Louisburg, NC; a number of special aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends.
Criminal Details
WSFA.COM
WSFA 12 News Staff | January 13, 2014 at 9:47 PM CST - Updated July 9 at 7:40 PM
Suspect arrested in Samson stabbing homicide
SAMSON, AL (WSFA) - A murder indictment is being handed down by the Geneva County Grand Jury against a woman accused of stabbing a man to death on December 28, 2013.
Felicia Ann Lane, 40, now faces a murder charge while being held in the county jail.
The District Attorney's office and the Alabama Bureau of Investigations showed evidence during a grand jury hearing on Jan. 9, 2014 that Lane stabbed 29-year-old Edward Andrews in the chest with a small kitchen knife.
Andrews was pronounced dead in the home on South Bay Street in Samson that he shared with the suspect. The stabbing happened during an altercation, according to police.
No further details regarding the case have been released.
"Copyright 2014 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Criminal Details
DOTHANEAGLE.COM
Kim Allen - Aug 06, 2015
Samson woman pleads guilty to fatal stabbing
A Samson woman faces two to 20 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a man.
Geneva County District Attorney Kirke Adams said 41-year-old Felicia A. Lane pleaded guilty Monday to a reduced felony manslaughter charge in front of Circuit Court Judge Kenneth Quattlebaum.
Agents with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation arrested Lane in January, charging her with felony murder. Agents charged Lane with using a knife to stab 29-year-old Edward Owen Andrews to death on Saturday Dec. 28, 2013.
The stabbing death was investigated jointly by the Samson Police Department and the ABI.
Samson police Investigator Jimmy Hill told the Dothan Eagle the stabbing death happened at 613 S. Bay St. in Samson, which is also Lane’s residence of record. Hill said the stabbing death involved some type of domestic incident.
Quattlebaum hold a sentencing and probation hearing for Lane on Dec. 4. Lane faces two to 20 years in prison for the class B felony crime of manslaughter.
ARLINE, Marcell “Muscle” T., Jr.
Marcell "Muscle" T. Arline, Jr.
Birth: August 30, 1988
Death: August 23, 2017
Obituary
Marcel affectionally known as Muscle was born August 30, 1988 in Newark, New Jersey to Marcel Arline and Tywanna Jones Sampson.
Muscle departed his life on August 23, 2017 in Dothan Alabama.
Muscle attended Newark public schools and graduated from Colonel Richardson High School in Federalsburg, Maryland in 2006.
Muscle was employed at AMP Heating and Air Conditioning, Co. in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Muscle from a new born child grew up in Hillside, New Jersey, relocated during his high school years to Cambridge, Maryland, but was back and forth with his Hillside, New Jersey residence as well until he relocated to Dothan, Alabama in January 2017.
Muscle loved eating Bake Ziti, Lasagna, Spaghetti, Mash Potato’s and Bread. He loved spending time with his family. His family loved when he was around because he was a big clown and always had you laughing. His Kids was his everything. He would call his grandmother Artie every day. When he called, Na’Gee would answer and he would say, “put Grandma on the phone”. Then he would start asking for everybody, “Grandma where Co-Co, tell her I’m going to beat up her boyfriend.” “Where’s Ex”, his grandmother would say, “in the room sleep”. Muscle would say “he always sleep wake him up”. Then he would say, “look out the window and see if KiKi car outside”. “Tell KiKi I’m going to drive her car when I get there”. “Where Ty-Keyyah tell, her I’m going to beat her boyfriend up when I see him”. He never had to ask for Brittney because he and his cousin Brittney had a bond that no relocating could tear apart. They talked faithfully to each other. He would always ask for aunt Lane, not (Elaine), but aunt Lane. Then he would say, “what Celie and Jayvion doing?” Celie is what he called his aunt Ira and she called him “Harpo”. Muscle made sure he spoke to his family. He would call his aunt Shirley and his cousin Hakim. Muscle loved talking with his family. He loved his Mom and Dad dearly. His sister Michelle was his keeper. Muscle and his sister Michelle had a saying; Michelle would say “Am I my Brother Keeper”, and Muscle would reply, “Yes you are”.
Muscle love racing cars, building Go-Cars and also riding them. Muscle just loved any kind of car and always wanting to drive everybody’s car. He loved Hip Hop music so when he get in your car, he pop in that CD and turn it up loud as it could go. He wanted you to hear him when he pulls up.
Muscle was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dorthey Arline and Willie Smith; great grandparents: Washington and Bridie Jones; uncle, James Wilson; and aunt, Bridgette Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memories his parents: Marcel (Donna) Arline of Chesapeake, Virginia and Tywanna (Joe) Sampson of Dothan AL; children: Marcel Xavier Arline and Maliyah Randolph of Dothan AL; two sisters: Michelle Arline of Cambridge, Maryland and Jacqueline Arline of Chesapeake, Virginia; grandfather: Marvin Arline of Petersburg, Florida; grandmother: Artie Smith of Hillside, New Jersey; three nephews: Juelz, Rashad, and Sa’Had; three nieces: Yahnai, Yasmine and Remi of Cambridge, Maryland; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and his children’s mother, Tia Randolph of Dothan AL.
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
April Davis - Aug 23, 2017
New Jersey man killed in Wednesday night Dothan shooting
DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY)-- Dothan Police confirm Marcel Arline from New Jersey was shot and killed about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of McKay Street. Investigators were searching Wednesday night for who is responsible.
Initial reports were someone had been shot in the head. Police say the victim was visiting Dothan from New Jersey, and was shot in a home on McKay Street where he had stayed off and on for several months.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Criminal Details
WSFA.com
News Staff - Aug 24, 2017
Police investigate homicide after shooting leaves 1 dead in Dothan
DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - Dothan police have opened a homicide investigation after a man was shot and killed Wednesday evening.
According to the Dothan Police Department, the victim, 28-year-old Marcell Arline, was killed at a home in the 800 block of McKay Street. Police say he had been visiting family in the area for the past few weeks.
A K9 unit was called in to canvas the street. There is no word yet on a motive in the shooting.
Shots were fired nearby at Sunset Avenue, but police say they cannot confidently say the two incidents are connected.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated to change the spelling of the victim's name and the victim's age after police released a correction.
Source: View WSFA.com Article
Criminal Details
DothanPD.org
Staff Report - Aug 31, 2017
Capital Murder Arrest Made in McKay Street Murder
On August 30th 2017, Investigators arrested Dejarvous Walker Glenn (21) for the murder of Marcell Arline, which occurred on August 23rd in the 800 block of McKay Street. At the time of the offense, Glenn was serving time in Houston County Community Corrections for Discharging a Firearm Into an Occupied Building . Glenn has been booked into the Dothan City Jail on one count of Capital Murder and currently has no bond. This arrest is the result of hundreds of man hours involving dozens of statements and interviews. The case is still being investigated and there are indications that there may have been more people involved in the planning, carrying out and aftermath of the crime. As the investigation continues, more arrests are expected. We solicit anyone with information on this case to call the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or Crime Stoppers at (334) 793-7000.
Source: View DothanPD.org Article
ARMSTRONG, Cpl Robert E.
Corporal Robert E. Armstrong
Birth: Unknown
Death: January 19, 1985
Obituary
None found
Memoriam
AndalusiaNews.com
Kendra Majors - Published 1:58 am Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Family mourns 2-year-old, seeks healing prayers for hospitalized twin
Cpl. Robert Armstrong was killed when the patrol car he was driving was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Ross Clark Circle while he was working an overtime DUI enforcement detail at 4:30 pm on January 19, 1985.
The drunk driver was driving the wrong way on the four-lane divided highway when the collision occurred. Both Cpl. Armstrong and the drunk driver were transported to a local hospital where both died of their injuries. The suspect had previous DUI arrests.
Cpl. Armstrong had served with the Dothan Police Department nearly seven years. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Source: View DothanPD.org Memoriam
Testimonials
Reflections for Corporal Robert E. Armstrong
Cpl. Armstrong, On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dothan. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Happy 30th Anniversary! Let's go to the Key's. You are missed!
ARMSTRONG, Nehemiah Jaylen
Nehemiah Jaylen Armstrong
Birth: June 9, 2015
Death: November 9, 2018
Obituary
None found
Criminal Details
AndalusiaNews.com
Kendra Majors - Published 1:58 am Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Family mourns 2-year-old, seeks healing prayers for hospitalized twin
A River Falls family is grieving for the loss of a 2-year-old and praying for quick recovery of the 2-year-old’s twin brother.
“Nehemiah was 2 years old and recently passed,” said family member Kimanisha Trawick, who has organized a GoFundMe account for the family. “We are asking if anybody can help a little bit with the funeral costs for our loss. Nehemiah meant the world to all of us and deserves a nice funeral ceremony. He was so sweet and kind with everyone and he always gave everyone a great big smile and was so loving to his twin brother and his sisters. Please help his mom, sisters, little brother and the family, as we lost an amazing child.”
Nehemiah Armstrong was the son of Emery Armstrong, who is also currently having to travel out of town to visit her other 2-year-old son, Jeremiah Armstrong, who is hospitalized.
The family plans to use some of the money raised to help with the gas expense to and from the hospital.
Trawick has set at $3,000 fundraising goal. At press time, $560 of it had been raised. The family did not have life insurance.
A candlelight vigil service will be held for Nehemiah Taylen Armstrong on Thurs., Nov. 16, at 5 p.m., at Andalusia Head Start, located at 719 Whatley Street in Andalusia.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Criminal Details
DothanFirst.com
Staff Report - Posted: Nov 30, 2018 / 01:45 AM CST / Updated: Dec 1, 2018 / 04:03 AM CST
Mother seeks justice for toddler’s death as new details emerge
ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDHN) — A mother is reliving the death of her 2-year-old son Nehemiah after new medical reports were released providing the child’s cause of death.
The toddler was found unresponsive on Nov. 9, 2017, at a home in Sunny South Trailer Park.
Emery Armstrong left Nehemiah, along with his twin brother and two sisters, to be cared for by her boyfriend’s family while she went to work.
“I had just moved down here, and I was only here for two weeks when it happened,” Armstrong said.
While Armstrong was at work, an emergency call was made to police; Nehemiah was unresponsive.
“The police called my job, and they told me my son was in critical condition and that I needed to go to the hospital,” she said. “I went to the hospital. They finally let me see my daughters, and then they showed me my son Jeremiah, and I was like ‘where’s Nehemiah?’ They showed me him, and he was gone.”
There was nothing more they could do.
“I told them please try again, please,” Armstrong said through her tears.
Nehemiah’s death certificate recently revealed blunt force trauma to the head neck and torso.
“It wasn’t no accident,” Armstrong said.
Still, the cause of death remains undetermined until medical records can be reviewed by forensic specialists.
“What happened to my baby?” Armstrong said. “When I left him, he was fine! I told my baby I loved him, he kissed me, and I told him I would see him later. What do you mean?”
Lt. Billy Haglund with the Enterprise Police Department said that authorities are still looking into the case.
“What I can tell you is it’s still being investigated, and we don’t have any more information to release at this time,” he said.
Whatever happened, Armstrong’s life is now marred forever by the loss of her child.
“A regular day just waking up, getting my kids ready and going to work like usual, turned into a disaster,” she lamented. “I lost everything.”
Source: View DothanFirst.com Article
Criminal Details
WSFA.com
Randi Hildreth | November 9, 2018 at 6:42 PM CST - Updated November 9 at 6:42 PM
New medical records released, family seeking justice in toddler’s death
ENTERPRISE, AL (WSFA) - In black ink, written on 2-year-old Nehemiah’s state death certificate it lists the immediate cause of death as blunt force trauma injuries. The lines below detail injuries to his head, neck, and torso. The manner of his death still undetermined.
His mom, Emery Armstrong, said a year later and now with more information about his death - she’s looking for investigators to dig deeper.
“I need help. This wasn’t my homeboy. This wasn’t my homegirl - this was my child. I need justice. It’s been a whole year and nothing has been done. It shouldn’t be that way,” said Armstrong.
One year ago Friday, Emery got a call that ripped her family apart. Her 2-year-old son Nehemiah had died.
Enterprise police say Nehemiah was found unresponsive on Nov. 9, 2017, at a home in Sunny South Trailer Park. Armstrong said Nehemiah along with her three other children - including Nehemiah’s twin brother - were at the home under the supervision of her ex-boyfriend’s family while she was at work.
According to an ambulance report, provided by Armstrong, emergency workers noted when they arrived at the scene a man approached them holding Nehemiah stating that he was already dead and there was nothing that could be done.
Nehemiah was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
On the one-year anniversary of his death - a frustrated Emery was setting up signs outside the Enterprise police department in protest - wearing a shirt with demands for justice.
“Y’all know something happened, so do something about it,” said Armstrong.
Enterprise police confirmed it is still an open case and forensic specialists are reviewing medical records. Lt. Billy Haglund noted there was nothing else that could be released about the ongoing investigation.
Armstrong said she plans to continue to fight for answers.
Meanwhile, time hasn’t faded the grief of loss or the sweet memories of her baby boy.
“It’s a year later, and I still feel the last hug he gave me before he left that day. I still feel the little bitty kisses on my cheek of his lips. I can still hear him running from the kitchen to the living room to me. I still hear the footsteps,” said Emery Armstrong.
Copyright 2018 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Source: View WSFA.com Article
Testimonials
Justice for Jeremiah & Nehemiah
I, Emery Armstrong, lost my 2-year-old twin son, on November 9, 2017. In a matter of seconds my life was turned around. In response to the mind-numbing pain I am experiencing I’m wanting answers of how my son died and why are these people not in jail for my son’s death.
I, Emery, was at work making a living for my kids. As time went on through the day I received a call no mother wants to receive. The call was that my children was unresponsive and taken to the hospital, to later get to the hospital and find out one of my son is deceased. In the process of me checking on the deceased son, his twin brother was later that night being transferred to Pensacola hospital for further treatment, along with my infant daughter of 6 months being unresponsive also until they started IV’s and that’s when she came to.
My, Emery, kids were left with my at the time boyfriend Miguel Grey and his family that I thought i could trust and this is where the incident occurred. While at the hospital DHR comes in and puts my children in my mother’s custody even though I was at work, while someone I trusted watch my kids.
On November 10, 2018 and November 11, 2018, the doctors in Pensacola ran several test on my twin son that survived. The doctor came in and told me my son had a spilt liver, broken ribs and had been severely beaten. In the process of me going through all of this, DHR comes in and takes my 3 surviving kids away from me until someone is charged in this case. After weeks of visitations and going to court and talking with several people from DHR, my kids was finally put back into the custody on my mother. In which the Grey family seem to know more about my DHR case than I do and I wondering how if it is supposed to be confidential. I’m just curious as to how they know the days I go to court. Why is DHR even communicating with the Grey family. I have spoken with Enterprise Police Department(EPD) several times and they replied to me and said they are trying to build a case and waiting on the toxicology report, while in Pensacola they are saying it wasn’t anything in my son’s system to cause him to be unresponsive.
I am not originally from Enterprise, but the Grey family is, and I don’t know who they know on the Force or in the system but clearly, they are telling them things they shouldn’t know. Clearly if this had of happen while they were with me or in my custody they would have tried everything they could to put me in jail, but in the process, they are doing nothing to the Grey family at all. Something happened to my kids and somebody in that house know what happened to my kids, because clearly on the EMS report it stated the uncle had the child over to EMS with a sheet covering him and said HE IS GONE AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO, and he wasn’t even in a pathetic state or should any kind of sympathy. So, does that not tell you anything EPD. I have text messages where my ex was saying crazy people don’t get charged. The investigators clearly have a case from all the reports I received, I went and picked them up from EPD, EMS, and the Hospital.
When I left my kids that morning with the baby sitter, they were in good health and good spirts. I had no idea that was going to be my last time seeing my son. I want justice for my kids, they clearly didn’t deserve to be beaten and on to death. I really wish someone could give me answers. No mother should ever have to go not knowing how their child died. All I need is answers so I can have closure for my son’s death and justice for all my kids.
My baby body was cold and his eye was swollen which it stated in enterprise hospital medical record & he had a mark on his forehead. And also if the toxicology report and autopsy show that it was no reason for him to be unresponsive then why did he do CPR for no reason. Sounds to me they beat my kids and called and made up a lie saying they was unresponsive. If the police made it to that house in 5 minutes after they made the 911 call then why was my baby body already cold as it is stated in the medical records. I also want to know why isn't there a case open for my living son Jeremiah Armstrong and my daughter Ari'yonna Dorsey.
I have a picture I took of my kids 4 days before this incident happened, my kids was perfectly fine with smiles on there faces and I am not understanding why anyone would hurt my precious babies.
AVERY, William Norris
William Norris Avery
Birth: April 22, 1930
Death: September 16, 2015
Obituary
William N. Avery, 85 years of age, and a resident of Vermilion, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home in Lorain, following a brief illness.
He was born April 22, 1930 in Big Clifty, Kentucky. William had made his home in Vermilion for the last forty years.
He was employed at Ford Motor Company in Lorain for many years before retiring as a repairman. William loved to repair watches for his colleagues at Ford. He was the handiest of men, and enjoyed to tinker and fix things. In his earlier years, he loved fishing and being outdoors.
Survivors include his daughter Julie Sikorsky of Ashland; and his friend Cynthia "Cindy" Couch of Vermilion.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters.
Services will be held privately by the family.
Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home, (440) 988-4451, HempelFuneralHome.com
Criminal Details
Julie Sikorsky
Press Release: January 23, 2019
Yes that's dad's obituary but I must also point out some corrections about the obituary. Family did not get to have the service. I'm the only family left and I never even knew my dad was still alive let alone get to say goodbye to him so I was never notified. This friend Cynthia Sue couch was really his POA who ended up taking advantage of him. She didn't pay the taxes on the ill-gotten house and I don't know how to regain the home back into the family as I'm on SSI. I'm getting the runaround trying to make a police report but it seems police don't handle civil matters. Cindy changed the life insurance beneficiary from next of kin to herself and she's not even family so I don't know who this person is. Funny dad died exactly 3 weeks to the day this was done but the anchor lodge nursing home refused to talk to me because I'm not his POA. The nursing home never said and should've known POA stops when someone dies. I eventually found this out for myself during my research about elder financial abuse. I'm going to send some screenshots, hopefully you can view them OK. I hope this helps you explain the story as I was through a long legal battle before Cindy vanished to dodge the lawsuit. Hopefully she can be found so a separate complaint against her can't be filed but I don't know how long the SOL is as this case recently got dismissed when the insurance company called uniCARE settled only for us to find out Cindy vanished. This is the only reason why the case had to be dismissed but a separate complaint can be filed against her at a later date if we can find her and get her address actually official on paper. Had she been in jail this never would've happened. Just burns me up that my dad's house was put out of reach but the paranormal activities probably won't even bother me as I've since been saved. The curse though it's still on the property as long as the property is misappropriated and the curse will remain as long as the property is misappropriated. I don't know who can help me get this property back but it starts with finding Cindy. Her last address before she vanished was 772 Ellis Ave. in Ashland Ohio, she wasn't running her own place but living with the owners. She took my dad's furniture and my dad died intestate, meaning no will and by Ohio law, since dad was widowed and never remarried I'm supposed to get everything but Cindy took my dad's belongings, including most likely vintage furniture
Testimonials
AYERS, Debbie Gail
Debbie Gail Ayers
Birth: September 1, 1965
Death: August 15, 2014
Obituary
None found
Criminal Details
DothanEagle.com
Matt Elofson - Aug 6, 2015 Updated Aug 7, 2015
Shawn Adkison guilty of murder in Geneva County woman's death
A jury found a Slocomb man guilty of murder on Thursday in less than 20 minutes.
Geneva County District Attorney Kirke Adams said the jury returned with the guilty verdict against 41-year-old Shawn Lee Adkison. He faces 10 to 99 years or life in prison when he is sentenced at a later date.
Adkison was one of two people indicted on felony murder charges in connection to the death of 49-year-old Debbie Ayres. The trial against Adkison started earlier this week in Geneva.
A similar felony murder charge remains pending against Christopher Edward Finley, 45, of Dothan. His case was also scheduled for trial this week, but it was delayed.
Authorities originally arrested both Finley and Adkison in October 2014. State police investigators initially only charged Finley with murder and filed a felony hindering prosecution charge against Adkison. Deputies with the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office assisted in making the arrests.
Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms told the Dothan Eagle earlier that the charges stemmed from a Geneva County missing person investigation. The victim’s body was found in October 2014 on property off U.S. 84 West in the Wicksburg community.
Helms said Ayres was found buried in 3 to 4 feet of dirt in the woods just past County Road 9 in Wicksburg. Helms said Ayres lived in the Black community of Geneva County.
Source: View DothanEagle.com Article
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
Press Release: AL Attorney General Luther Strange
Appeals Court Upholds Geneva County Murder Conviction
Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals last Friday upheld the murder conviction of Shawn Adkison. Adkison, 42, of Slocomb, was convicted in Geneva County Circuit Court in August of 2015 for the murder of Debbie Ayers.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Adkison was involved in a dispute with Ayers and that he killed her on August 14, 2014. Ayers died of blunt force trauma to the head.
The case was prosecuted at trial by Geneva County District Attorney Kirke Adams’ office. Adkison was sentenced to a term of 85 years’ imprisonment. Adkison subsequently sought to have his conviction reversed on appeal.
The Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Section handled the case during the appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm the conviction. The Court did so in a decision issued on Friday, July 1.
Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Beth Slate Poe of the Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Section for her successful work in this case.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
WTVY News 4 - Published: Jul. 19, 2018 at 4:24 PM CDT
Convicted Geneva Co. murderer denied by Criminal Appeals Court
The Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals has denied the petition of Shawn Lee Adkison. Adkison from Slocomb was convicted of the 2014 murder of Debbie Ayers.
Adkison, 44, of Slocomb, was convicted in Geneva County Circuit Court in 2015, for the murder of Debbie Ayers. Evidence presented at trial showed that Adkison was involved in a dispute with Ayers and that he killed her on August 14, 2014. Ayers died of blunt force trauma to the head.
The Geneva County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Upon conviction, Adkison was sentenced to 85 years in prison. Adkison’s subsequent attempts to have his conviction and sentence reversed on appeal have been rejected by the courts.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Testimonials
BACHELDER, Brandy Jean
Brandy Jean Bachelder
Birth: May 3, 1978
Death: August 8, 2005
Obituary
No Obituary Found
Criminal Details
The Dothan Eagle
Matt Elofson - Oct 28, 2010
More than five years after her daughter’s brutal death at the hands of a former boyfriend, Rolande Dean hopes her daughter’s death will help other victims of domestic violence.
A Houston County jury convicted Heath McCray of beating, stabbing and suffocating 27-year-old Brandy Bachelder to death on Aug. 8, 2005. McCray, 41, convicted of capital murder, has been on death row for four years.
BAILEY, Chris J
Chris J Bailey
Birth: August 11, 1989
Death: July 29, 2016
Obituary
None found
Criminal Details
WSFA.com
WSFA 12 News Staff | August 2, 2016 at 3:20 PM CDT - Updated July 24 at 4:08 PM
Suspect in 'execution' outside Dothan nightclub arrested
DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - The suspect in a weekend homicide investigation in Dothan is now in custody and is being held without bond, according to the Dothan Police Department.
Brandon Allen Ransom, 29, is accused of fatally shooting Chris Bailey, 26, outside a nightclub in the 1100 block of Montgomery Highway early Saturday morning.
Capt. Will Benny with the Dothan Police Dept. called the shooting an "execution". Bailey was shot five times around 1:30 Saturday morning. Benny said the victim was shot once in the arm and once in the leg. "He fell to the ground, and the suspect...stood over and shot him three more times."
Bailey's body was found in the Plum's Lounge overflow parking lot in front of Piggly Wiggly, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Benny confirmed both the suspect and victim had been inside the lounge at some point prior to the shooting. "Was it a direct result of the club? Probably not," he added.
Benny would not comment on a possible motive, though he confirmed it "was not a robbery. He [Ransom] went there to kill this man."
An investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible.
Copyright 2016 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Source: View WSFA.com Article
Criminal Details
DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand Aug 6, 2019
Trial rescheduled for Dothan man facing murder charges
second trial has been rescheduled for September for a Dothan man whose first murder charge was dismissed.
Brandon Allen Ransom, 31, is charged with murder in the July 30, 2016, ambush shooting of 26-year-old Christopher “Chris” Bailey. His trial was scheduled to begin the last week of September 2018, but all the state witnesses did not cooperate by attending the trial, and the charge was dismissed by then-Circuit Judge Michael Conaway.
A Houston County grand jury indicted Ransom a second time on the murder charges in November 2018, and Ransom was re-arrested in January.
Ransom’s defense attorney James Parkman entered a plea of not guilty and waived Ransom’s arraignment hearing Feb. 4.
Ransom’s trial, originally set for Aug. 5, is now tentatively scheduled for Sept. 23 before Houston County Circuit Judge Butch Binford.
Dothan Police Investigator Jared Bladen testified during Ransom’s bail hearing, saying police had two eyewitnesses who identified Ransom as the shooter in an “unprovoked ambush attack” outside a local nightclub that left Bailey dead.
Bladen said Ransom shot Bailey as he walked back to his car outside the Plum’s Lounge nightclub located on Montgomery Highway. Police responded to what was initially reported as a critical firearm assault outside the nightclub, and arrived to find the victim dead in the parking lot, Bladen said.
Bailey suffered seven gunshot wounds during the shooting, including one to the head, two to the back, two more to the chest, and another to the arm and leg, Bladen testified.
Ransom is currently out of jail on a $60,000 bond.
Source: View DothanEagle.com Article
Criminal Details
DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand Oct 23, 2019 Updated Oct 23, 2019
Trial continued for Dothan man charged with murder
A second trial has been continued until December for a Dothan man whose first murder charge was dismissed.
Brandon Allen Ransom, 31, is charged with murder in the July 30, 2016, ambush shooting of 26-year-old Christopher “Chris” Bailey.
Ransom’s trial was scheduled to begin this week, but defense attorney James Parkman III filed a motion requesting his client’s jury trial be continued.
The motion said Parkman did not receive a copy of the trial docket and was scheduled to be out of state Tuesday.
A Houston County grand jury indicted Ransom a second time on the murder charges in November 2018, and Ransom was re-arrested in January.
Ransom previously entered a plea of not guilty.
Houston County Circuit Judge Butch Binford issued an order granting the continuance, and tentatively scheduled Ransom’s jury trial for Dec. 2.
Dothan Police Investigator Jared Bladen testified during Ransom’s bail hearing, saying police had two eyewitnesses who identified Ransom as the shooter in an “unprovoked ambush attack” outside a local nightclub that left Bailey dead.
Bladen said Ransom shot Bailey as he walked back to his car outside the Plum’s Lounge nightclub located on Montgomery Highway. Police responded to what was initially reported as a critical firearm assault outside the nightclub, and arrived to find the victim dead in the parking lot, Bladen said.
Bailey suffered seven gunshot wounds during the shooting, including one to the head, two to the back, two more to the chest, and another to the arm and leg, Bladen testified.
Ransom is currently out of jail on a $60,000 bond.
Source: View DothanEagle.com Article
Testimonials
BAKER, Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry Baker
Birth: February 19, 1945
Death: April 29, 2014
Obituary
None Found
Criminal Details
SoutheastSun.com
Michelle Mann Dec 3, 2014 Updated Jan 6, 2015
New Brockton man arrested for assault now charged with murder
The robbery and assault charges initially filed against a New Brockton man have been upgraded to murder.
Jasen Scott Caradine, 32, is charged with murder in connection with the April 29 death of a 69-year-old man on Coffee County Road 521.
Caradine initially faced felony first-degree assault and felony first-degree robbery charges in connection with an April 19 attack on Patrick Baker in Baker’s home.
Baker, who had received multiple injuries during the attack, was transported to Southeast Alabama Medical Center for treatment and then transferred to a Birmingham hospital. He died April 29.
According to news reports at the time of the assault and robbery, Caradine allegedly used an aluminum bat during an armed robbery of the man in his home, during which cash was taken from the victim.
Caradine was booked into the Coffee County Jail and held on a total of $45,000 in bail on the two charges. He had been out on bond.
He was re-arrested Tuesday following a Coffee County Grand Jury indictment changing the first-degree assault charge to murder.
Source: View SoutheastSun.com Article
Criminal Details
SoutheastSun.com
Michelle Mann May 18, 2016 Updated May 19, 2016
Man convicted of assault in connection with New Brockton man’s death
A New Brockton man charged with murder and first-degree robbery was found guilty of neither after a five-day trial in Elba that ended Friday, May 13.
Jasen Scott Caradine, 33, was found not guilty of the murder of 69-year-old Pat Baker of New Brockton and not guilty of first-degree robbery in connection with the case.
The six-man, six-woman jury deliberated nearly eight hours over two days before finding Caradine guilty only of the lesser-included charge of first-degree assault.
Caradine remains free on bond waiting sentencing July 21 in Circuit Judge Jeff Kelley’s courtroom.
Caradine had been arrested within 15 minutes after the New Brockton police received an E-911 call April 19, 2014 from one of Baker’s neighbors who reported that he had found Baker, apparently beaten and robbed of approximately $1,000, inside Baker’s home on County Road 521 in New Brockton.
Caradine was charged with assaulting Baker with a metal baseball bat during the robbery, leaving Baker with wounds to the back of his head, multiple facial fractures, a lacerated liver and broken arm bones. Baker died in a Dothan hospital 10 days after the assault. Testimony during the trial was that Baker’s death was caused by a heart attack.
Calling it “the strangest murder case I have ever seen,” Caradine’s attorney, Matt Lamere, said that when his client was arrested at a New Brockton service station some 15 minutes after authorities had issued a “be on the lookout” alert for a black pickup truck, there was no blood found on Caradine and there was no blood found in his truck.
Authorities did not order forensic testing on Caradine’s clothing, nor did they conduct DNA testing on Caradine, according to court testimony.
Four hundred and fifty dollars in cash was found in Caradine’s pickup truck, Lamere said, before questioning how some $600 more money allegedly taken from Baker could have disappeared in 15 minutes. “The money might be the most important piece of evidence,” Lamere said. “Why didn’t (law authorities) see if Pat Baker’s DNA was on the money—they had it in their hands and they didn’t do it.”
Caradine’s clothing was not tested for traces of Baker’s blood, tire tracks found outside Baker’s home were not measured for possible vehicle identification and a cigarette butt found outside Baker’s home was not tested for DNA traces, Lamere reminded the jury in closing arguments. “There is a horrendous lack of evidence here.”
Lamere also reminded the jury in closing arguments that the neighbor who called E-911 after finding Baker was in fact a person with a felony burglary conviction.
Lamere said the convicted felon was the person, along with Baker’s daughter, who was allowed entry into Baker’s home to clean it up the day following the incident.
“Was (the convicted felon) the chief investigator in this case? It appears so,” Lamere said. “There would have been justice for Pat Baker if everyone involved had done their job.”
Source: View SoutheastSun.com Article
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
mike Gurspan - Published: Jul. 21, 2016 at 5:21 PM CDT
Caradine Assault Sentencing
Today..., the man responsible for the death of an elderly Coffee County man was sentenced.
Initially charged with murder and robbery..., a jury last may convicted Jason Caradine of a lesser charge of first-degree assault. Two years ago..., Caradine walked into 69-year-old Pat Baker's New Brockton home and slammed the victim's head with an aluminum baseball bat... Baker died 10 days later... Today..., Caradine was sentenced to 15-years-and-eight months in a state penitentiary…
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Testimonials
BALDWIN, Nicole Burchette
Nicole Burchette Baldwin
Birth: March 28, 1984
Death: October 21, 2015
Obituary
Nicole Burchette Baldwin, a resident of Cowarts, Alabama, died early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2015, in a Montgomery hospital of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was 31.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, October 25, 2015, in the First Baptist Church of Abbeville with Reverend Ryan Johnson and Reverend Ricky Sowell officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vaughn-Blumberg Center, 2715 Flynn Road, Dothan, AL 36303.
Nicole Baldwin was born in Brownwood, Texas and was reared in Abbeville. She was a graduate of Abbeville High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology both from Troy University. Nicole was employed by the Vaughn-Blumberg Center in Dothan as Program Manager and recently enlisted in the United States Air Force. Nicole was a member of the Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, between Headland and Columbia. Nicole recently connected with her father's side of the family including an aunt, Monico Ronquillo (Marcos), and nieces, Elise Ronquillo, Ashlee Ronquillo and Merissa Ronquillo. Nicole was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Burchette, and her grandparents, Raleigh and Jean Forrester.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Joshua Cain Baldwin, Cowarts, AL; her mother, Michelle Bass, Abbeville; two brothers, Michael Burchette, Cowarts, and Matthew Ethridge, Abbeville; her mother-in-law, Jackie Wright Baldwin, Abbeville; her father-in-law, Ray Baldwin (Meshell), Abbeville; grandparents, James and Pat Richardson, Abbeville; brother-in-law, Matthew Baldwin (Barbara), Dothan; a nephew, Tucker Baldwin, Dothan; a special aunt, April Rockwell, Cowarts; a special niece, Heather Roberts; special friends and co-workers, Edward Dorsey and Britni Tucker.
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
Press Release: Montgomery Police Department Updated: Thu 4:08 PM, Oct 22, 2015
Cowarts Woman Killed in Fatal Crash in Montgomery
Montgomery, AL The Montgomery Police Department has made an arrest in the Oct. 21 traffic death of 31-year-old Nicole Baldwin of Cowarts following an early-morning crash on Interstate 85.
MPD accident investigators charged Wesley Welch, 28, of Montgomery with one count of reckless murder. Welch, the driver of the vehicle in which the victim was a passenger, was taken into custody in the 2100 block of East South Boulevard. Following his arrest, Welch was transported to the Montgomery County Detention Facility, where he was being held under a $50,000 bond.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, at about 4 a.m., Montgomery Police and Fire medics responded to I-85 southbound between Hall and Union streets after receiving a report of a crash. The crash involved a 2016 Toyota Camry and a 2001 Dodge Durango. Baldwin, a passenger in the Camry, was transported to a local hospital and later was pronounced dead. A second passenger, also an adult female, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Welch, driver of the Camry, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
MPD’s initial investigation indicates that the Toyota Camry was traveling south on I-85 approaching Union Street when it left the roadway and struck the Dodge Durango, which was unoccupied and parked off the shoulder of the roadway. Accident investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, and no further information is available for release at this time.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
Testimonials
BARBER, Neal Craft
Neal Craft Barber
Birth: July 3, 1959
Death: September 10, 2018
Obituary
Neal C. Barber, age 59, of Dothan, passed away Monday, September 10, 2018.
Born July 3, 1959 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Alton Barber and Jeanette Craft Barber, Neal worked as a carpenter until he was disabled. He enjoyed camping and being outdoors.
Neal is survived by his wife, Cindy Clay Barber; his sons, Dustin (Meghin) Sanders; Erik Sanders; and Clifton (Darlaine) Sanders; his step-daughter, Jessica Clay Harrison; his brothers, Edwin Barber and Tim (Carol) Barber; his grandchildren, Aidian Sanders, Brodie Sanders, Clayton Sanders, David McWhorters, Rusty McWhorters, and Paisileigh McWhorters; other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 4:30 PM, Saturday, September 15, 2018 from Angel House in Dothan with Reverend Fred Bacher officiating.
Source: View Obituary on WardWilson.com
Criminal Details
DothanPD.org
Press Release - September 11, 2018
Press Release for Murder Investigation
On Sept. 10, 2018 at approximately 6:30 a.m. Dothan Police Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault in the 300 block of Pettus St. Dothan. Moments later Officers arrived scene to discover a white male, later identified as 59-year-old Neal Craft Barber, laying in the driveway. It was obvious to the Officers that Barber had suffered some sort of trauma as Dothan Fire Medics arrived to medically assess the victim. It was determined that Barber had succumbed to his injuries before the Officers or Medics arrival and he was not transported to a medical facility.
Upon examination of Barber and the surrounding scene, it was determined that he was the victim of an assault that occurred sometime in the early morning hours on Sept. 10th. Dothan Police Patrol Officers located and detained several persons of interest at the scene in a storage building at the rear of the residence. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the property and discovered that the storage building was the physical crime scene where Barber was assaulted. All of the people located in the storage building were transported to the Dothan Police Department.
Once the crime scene was processed and interviews were conducted by Dothan Police Crime Scene Investigators and Criminal Investigators, it was discovered that earlier that morning there was an argument that led to a physical altercation. During that altercation Barber suffered multiple injuries caused by blunt force trauma to his head that were not survivable. Probable cause was established to charge two people with the murder of Barber.
Charged with Murder are 24-year-old Dontavious Givens, of Pettus Street Dothan, and Jatavion Lakeldrick Collins, of Monument Street Dothan. Both individuals arrested are being held with a no bond. Both suspects will be scheduled for a Preliminary Hearing in Houston County Circuit Court.
Source: View DothanPD.org Press Release
Criminal Details
WTVY.COM
Lynsey Smith - Sep. 11, 2018 at 5:31 PM CDT
Suspects charged with the murder of Neal Barber
Dothan Police say this crime was apparently committed during an argument over drugs.
The body of 59 year old Neal Craft Barber was found Monday morning lying in a driveway in the 300 block of Pettus Street.
He had apparently died from blunt force trauma.
Dothan Police Lt. Lynn Watkins says Barber had been in a fight with 24-year-old Dentavious Givens and 20-year-old Jatavion Collins early Monday morning.
Watkins says "We would've liked to get-gotten a report well before we did in this case...maybe there would've been something we could've done to maybe save his life. Unfortunately, that didn't happen in this case and it's tragic but anybody that sees an assault taking place, go ahead and notify the police department so we can get there and get that person medical treatment as soon as possible."
Both Givens and Collins are being held without bond.
Source: View WTVY.com Article
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Criminal Details
DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand Apr 22, 2020 Updated Apr 22, 2020
Neal Craft Barber’s family speaks out; looking for justice in brutal death
year and a half after his brutal death, Neal Craft Barber’s family wants answers and demands justice be served.
According to police reports, Barber was beaten to death Sept. 10, 2018. His body was found in the 300 block of Dothan’s Pettus Street. He had multiple blunt-force trauma head injuries and broken ribs and other injuries from which he later died.
Dentavious Jamal Givens and Jatavion Lakeldrick Collins, both of Dothan, were charged with Barber’s slaying.
“We want to know how one of the men charged with my brother’s murder, Detavious Givens, has once again got a bond set after having his first bond was revoked because he got arrested on an assault charge after he tried to attack his sister. Why did he get bond in the beginning?” Barber’s brother, Tim Barber asked during a Tuesday phone interview.
“Look at the nature of this killing. No, my brother was not a saint, but to be murdered like he was is horrific. He was beaten. Police say the marks look as if he was beaten with the butt of a gun. He had been kicked over, over and over. They broke his ribs by kicking him. He was stabbed. He had been beaten in the head with a block. His pure scalp had been turned back.
“This information was given to us by detectives, and it was all said during the preliminary hearings. You know, if they would have shot him in the back of the head, that would have been mercy. We are told the beating went on for hours.”
Dothan police believe the murder stemmed from an argument over drugs. Lt. Lynn Watkins said earlier that Givens and Collins believed Neil Barber had taken their drugs.
Tim Barber knows his brother was killed by an acquaintance, but that doesn’t help the family deal with the loss.
“We just want answers,” Barber said. “We want to know why additional charges were not filed.
“It has been determined Neal was able to get away, and was trying to make it to McDonald’s for help. But before he could reach McDonald’s, Collins grabbed him and dragged him back to Pettus Street. He allegedly dragged him so forceful Neal’s shoes were stuck in the ground where he tried to brace himself. Why were kidnapping charges not filed?”
During the investigation it was determined Neal Barber was residing in a shack near where his body was found. One of the suspects charged resides in the home where the killing occurred. At first, the residents of the home, including one of the suspects, claimed to police they had no idea who the victim was or why his body was on the property.
His brother believes the judicial system continuing to set bond for Givens, who previously had his bond revoked, “is ridiculous.”
“OK, he got bond once and committed another crime,” Barber said. “Why give him another chance? He doesn’t deserve another chance.
“Like I said earlier, we just want simple justice for Neal. We want both of these men to spend the rest of their lives behind bars.”
Collins and Givens have jury trial dates set for this summer.
Murder is a Class A felony carrying a penalty of no less than 10 years, and no more than life or 99 years in prison.
Source: View DothanEagle.com Article
Testimonials
BARNES, D’Travieon Ledarius Jawuan
D’Travieon Ledarius Jawuan Barnes
Birth: circa 1999
Death: December 1, 2019
Obituary
Mr. D’Travieon Barnes of Dothan, Alabama passed on Tuesday, December 1, 2019.
Funeral Arrangements Saturday, December 07, 2019 @ 2:00 p.m.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Shellman, GA Rev. Roosevelt Zanders, Pastor Rev. L.C. Spann, Officiating
Funeral Arrangements are Entrusted to Johnson& Son Funeral Service 249 South Main Street Dawson, GA 39842 Commissioner Ernest M. Johnson, Owner-LFD
Source: View Obituary on Articobis.com
Criminal Details
DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand Dec 3, 2019 Updated Dec 3, 2019
Victim in Ashford shooting identified; law enforcement believes shooting is drug related
Houston County investigators released the name of a man killed in what they describe as a drug-related shooting in Ashford Sunday.
D’Travieon Barnes, 20, of Houston County, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest area.
Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza would not elaborate on what led investigators to determine the shooting is drug-related because the investigation is active.
Deonte Latarus Gilmore, 20, was booked at the Houston County Jail at 7:14 a.m. Sunday. Bond has been set at $500,000.
Sheriff’s Maj. Bill Rafferty said authorities were called about midnight Saturday to a house in the 100 block of Harrison Street. Deputies located a man who was dead from a gunshot wound.
“At this time during the investigation, we have reviewed video footage that was captured by someone at the home when the shooting occurred,” Valenza said. “The video clearly shows Mr. Barnes strike the suspect with a laptop monitor. The video also shows, if slowed down for proper analysis, you can see Mr. Gilmore fall and then pull his gun out. The video shows Mr. Barnes kick Mr. Gilmore before the gun is fired.”
Valenza said he doubts the shooting can be characterized as self-defense under the state’s stand-your-ground law.
Deputies responded earlier Saturday to a nonemergency call regarding a noise complaint.
Source: View DothanEagle.com Article
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DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand Dec 5, 2019 Updated Dec 5, 2019
Man charged in Sunday’s fatal shooting requests appointed counsel
A Houston County man charged in the fatal shooting of D’Trav-ieon Barnes last weekend in Ashford has requested a court-appointed attorney.
Deonte Latarus Gilmore, 20, was booked into the Houston County Jail early Sunday morning.
According to court documents, Gilmore asked that District Judge Benjamin Lewis appoint an attorney to represent him in his murder case. Lewis appointed defense attorney Thomas Smith.
Investigators with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office have reviewed video footage captured by someone at the home when the shooting occurred.
“The video clearly shows Mr. Barnes strike the suspect with a laptop monitor,” said Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza. “The video also showed, if slowed down for proper analysis, you can see Mr. Gilmore fall and then pull his gun out. The video shows Mr. Barnes kick Mr. Gilmore before the gun is fired.”
Valenza doubts the shooting can be characterized as self-defense under the state’s stand-your-ground law.
Gilmore is at the Houston County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Source: View DothanEagle.com Article
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DothanFirst.com
Nathaniel Rodriguez - Dec 3, 2019 / 01:00 PM CST / Updated: Dec 3, 2019 / 01:02 PM CST
Ashford shooting stemmed from drug deal gone bad, sheriff’s office says
ASHFORD, Ala. (WDHN) — The Houston County Sheriff’s revealed the cause of Saturday’s fatal shooting in Ashford Tuesday afternoon.
According to an HCSO release, a drug deal went wrong at a house party on the 100 block of Harrison Street.
The victim — D’Travieon Ledarius Jawuan Barnes, 20, of Dothan — and suspect Deonte Latarus Gilmore got into a fight, which ended when Gilmore reportedly took a gun out and fired a round into Barnes’ chest.
Barnes ran away and fell outside the home’s garage door, having died from the injury.
This matches what is seen in a video of the incident, which shows the events leading up to and shortly after the shooting. You can read about that by following this link.
Gilmore is still in the Houston County Jail on a $500,000 bond for murder. He made his first appearance in court Monday.
The sheriff’s office also said the owner of the home where the shooting happened was actually out of town. It was a family member that threw the house party.
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