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DothanEagle.com
Staff Reports - Apr 16, 2013 Updated Oct 26, 2016

Dispute over girl led to fatal Abbeville stabbing

ABBEVILLE -- Authorities say a dispute involving a girl led to the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old male over the weekend in Abbeville.

Henry County Sheriff William Maddox cited a dispute over a girl as part of the motive in the murder of Emmett Tyric Leqwaun Brown. Maddox also said some type of gang affiliation was likely involved, though he didn’t expand on how.

Investigators with the Henry County Sheriff’s and Abbeville Police Task Force arrested three teens on murder charges for their alleged involvement in the killing. All three suspects were released from custody after each posted $150,000 bail.

Investigators charged 17-year-old Gregory Spann, 17-year-old Marquise Barwick and 18-year-old Montrez Brown with murder in the stabbing death of Tyric Brown. Court records show Abbeville police charged all three teens with using a knife to cut and stab Tyric Brown to death on Saturday.

Henry County Judge Derek Peterson set the bail in all three cases, and specifically forbid Spann from going within 1,000 feet of the victim’s home or family.

Peterson learned during Spann’s first appearance that Spann lived across the street from the victim. Spann’s father, who attended the hearing, told the court he’d find somewhere else for his son to stay while awaiting trial on the murder charge. Spann’s father also told the court he plans to hire an attorney to represent his son at trial.

A woman could be heard crying as Peterson held Spann’s first appearance inside a packed courtroom Tuesday afternoon at the Henry County Courthouse in Abbeville.

Maddox said the stabbing death came as a result of an altercation at a block party near the intersection of Crawford and Phillips streets on Saturday night.

According to court records, authorities believe this is what happened

A fight originally started at a building in the 200 block of Phillips Street between Tyric Brown and Spann. Brown then left that area and went to the area of the intersection of Crawford and Phillips streets to “calm down” and “get away from the situation.”

Spann, along with a large crowd, followed Brown to the intersection where he “reengaged” the altercation.

It was at this point where Montrez Brown and Barwick allegedly got involved in the fight. Records show Montrez Brown allegedly held Tyric Brown down and began hitting him with a belt, while both Barwick and Spann allegedly struck the victim with closed fists. Spann then pulled out a knife and, while Montrez Brown continued to allegedly hold down the victim, he began cutting and striking the victim with the knife. As Tyric Brown fell to the ground, the suspects, along with the large crowd gathered around the fight, ran from the area.

Henry County Coroner Derek Wright said he pronounced 17-year-old Tyric Brown dead at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. He said Brown was taken to the state Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy on Monday.

“There were multiple cuts and stab wounds on him, mainly his arms and torso,” Wright said.

Wright said Tyric Brown apparently lived at a home on Crawford Street.

Maddox said the violence at the block party also resulted in three other people getting injured, one of whom he said included Spann. He said Spann underwent surgery to mend an arm injury while at Flowers Hospital. He said Spann was arrested Monday evening after he was released from the hospital.

Maddox also said two other people were stabbed during the altercation, including a 13-year-old girl and one of the other suspects. Maddox also said all four parties involved in the altercation are related to each other.

How the other three stabbing victims suffered their injuries remains under investigation, Maddox said.

“Once we find out more about what happened, there could be some more arrests,” Maddox said.

Maddox said the stabbings likely occurred late Saturday night about 10 blocks outside downtown Abbeville.

In the wake of the fatal stabbing, Maddox said Abbeville High School was placed on lockdown on Tuesday morning for a couple of hours for safety reasons.

Maddox said 911 dispatch received calls that kids reportedly were bringing weapons, to possibly include guns and/or knives, to school for some type of retaliation. He said the reports were made around 7 a.m. and authorities promptly started searching the school by 7:30 a.m.

Maddox said officers from the Abbeville Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office worked together in searching the school.

“We had a soft lockdown and searched all the kids' backpacks and purses just to make sure there wasn’t any guns and knives in the school,” Maddox said. “It was everything we had because it was 700 some students. We got through it in two and half hours. We did it just for safety reasons.”

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WSFA.com
Staff Reports - April 16, 2013 at 2:03 AM CDT - Updated July 11 at 2:46 PM

3 charged in stabbing death of teen in Abbeville

ABBEVILLE, AL (WSFA) - The Henry County Sheriff's Department says a total of three people are now charged in the death of a teenager on Saturday, April 13.

Abbeville residents Marquise Barwick, 17, Gregory Spann, 17, and Montrez Brown, 18, are each charged with murder in the stabbing death of Tyric Brown, 17.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. that evening. Officers were called to a disturbance at a party taking place at 200 Phillips Street in Abbeville.

Initial estimates have a crowd of approximately 200 people, mostly underage/juveniles, in attendance and underage alcohol consumption was taking place at the party.

Police says as a result of an altercation at the intersection of Phillips Street and Crawford Street, two juveniles were hospitalized for their injuries and Brown later died of his injuries.

Barwick and Brown had their initial appearances in court Tuesday morning and their bonds were set at $150,000 each.

Spann is expected to have his first court appearance later in the day.

Copyright 2013 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.

Source: View WSFA.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Matt Elofson - Oct 6, 2016 Updated Feb 19, 2019

Montrez Brown acquitted in stabbing death of Abbeville teen

An Abbeville man became a free man Thursday, released from custody after a Henry County jury found him not guilty of a felony murder charge.

Attorney Arthur Medley said a jury found his client, 21-year-old Montrez Doran Brown, not guilty after around 5.5 hours of deliberation.

The trial started Monday at the Henry County Courthouse in Abbeville, and was held in front of Circuit Court Judge Larry Anderson.

Investigators with the Henry County Sheriff’s and Abbeville Police Investigative Unit arrested Brown on April 14, 2013, and charged him with felony murder. Police charged Brown with stabbing 17-year-old Tyric Brown in Abbeville. Court records show Abbeville police charged three teens for their roles in the stabbing death of Tyric Brown. Montrez Brown was 18 years old at the time of the killing.

Gregory Spann, 21, of Abbeville, was convicted of felony murder last year for his role. He later received a 40-year prison sentence. A similar murder charge remains pending against 21-year-old Marquise Barwick.

“This was a fight, it was a bloody gruesome fight,” Medley said of the killing.

Medley said one of the points he made to the jury included how DNA evidence presented at trial came back with matches to both the victim and the co-defendant, Spann, from blood found on the victim’s shoes. He also argued to the jury how DNA evidence from blood found on Spann’s shoes also came back matching Spann, the victim and an unknown third party. He also reminded jurors how Spann was injured during the fight, and hospitalized.

“The state’s version was Montrez had a belt around Tyric’s neck so Gregory could stab him,” Medley said.

Medley said that’s why the shoes in evidence became so relevant because it showed who was at the scene of the fight and who wasn't. He also said the autopsy indicated no neck injuries to the victim.

“If there’s no injury to the neck then obviously Montrez didn’t have him around the neck, and it shows their eyewitness was lying,” Medley said.

Medley said the defense did not contest Montrez Brown was on the same street on the night of the killing, but just was not part of the fight that killed Tyric Brown. He said DNA collected from physical evidence at the case excluded his client from even being at the scene of the fight.

“Myself, and on behalf of Montrez and his family, would like express our deepest sympathy to the family of Tyric. It’s horrible for any parent to have to bury their own child,” Medley said. “Our position is and the evidence supported it, that Montrez didn’t do this. But it’s still a horrible situation.”

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Matt Elofson - Aug 20, 2015 Updated Sep 4, 2015

Gregory Spann, accused of murder, testifies on his own behalf

1:45 p.m. Gregory Spann denied cutting or stabbing anyone as he testified on his own behalf Thursday in the murder case filed against him.

Spann, 20, testified for nearly an hour before the jury broke for lunch Thursday at the Henry County Courthouse in Abbeville.

Cross examination from prosecutors began early Thursday afternoon.

Spann was one of three people charged by Henry County Sheriff's and Abbeville police in the stabbing death murder of 17-year-old Tyric Brown in April 2013.

Spann testified how he and two of the co-defendants, Marquise Barwick and Montrez Brown, rode together in a truck to a local Abbeville hangout spot called the Game Room.

"I knew there was a get together, but I didn't know there was going to be a party," Spann said as his attorney, Tom Brantley, questioned him about the block party on the night of the murder.

Spann also said he saw the victim, Tyric Brown, at the Game Room, who immediately made eye contact with him and "shot him the bird," or pointed his middle finger at him. He also saw Tyric Brown show him what he believed was a gang sign for 'West Side.'

"I was scared," Spann said, as he claimed no affiliation with a gang.

Spann said police questioned him about being a member of the Goon Squad gang. Spann said his only connection to anything Goon was that his dog was called Goon, which was why his license plate read Goon.

Spann recalled how Tyric Brown followed as he left the Game Room by himself. He said Brown threw a glass bottle at him, and cut him on the arm with a knife in the street. He remembered over 100 people gathered around them as he wrapped his shirt around the bleeding wound on his arm. An ambulance later took him to Flowers Hospital in Dothan where he had surgery to mend a damaged artery in his arm.

Spann admitted he regularly carried a pocket knife, but never took it out of his pocket on the night of the homicide.

"I was bleeding bad, and in pain," Spann recalled. "I was hurting."

9:45 a.m. -- The prosecution completed its evidence Thursday morning in the felony murder case filed against 20-year-old Gregory Spann.

Attorney Tom Brantley said the defense was expected to start putting on their witnesses during the week-long murder trial held in front of Circuit Court Judge Butch Binford at the Henry County Courthouse in Abbeville.

Lawyers were likely to make their closing arguments Thursday afternoon. Assistant Henry County District Attorney Sam Clenney has served as the lead prosecutor.

Spann, who was 17 at the time he was charged with murder, was one of three people charged by investigators with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators also charged Marquise Barwick and Montrez Brown with murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Tyric Brown on April 13, 2013.

Montrez Brown, 20, of Abbeville, recently had his bail revoked after being arrested on two felony charges in Dothan while released on bail. Brown’s trial for his pending murder charge is scheduled for October.

The murder charge against 20-year-old Barwick remains pending and has been scheduled for trial in November. Barwick was 17 at the time he was charged with murder, and Montrez Brown was 18.

Henry County Sheriff William Maddox said the stabbing death came as a result of an altercation at a block party near the intersection of Crawford and Phillips streets. He said all four parties involved in the altercation are related to each other.

According to court records, authorities believe this is what happened:

A fight originally started at a building in the 200 block of Phillips Street between Tyric Brown and Spann. Brown then left that area and went to the area of the intersection of Crawford and Phillips streets to “calm down” and “get away from the situation.”

Spann, along with a large crowd, followed Brown to the intersection where he “reengaged” the altercation.

It was at this point where Montrez Brown and Barwick allegedly got involved in the fight. Records show Montrez Brown allegedly held Tyric Brown down and began hitting him with a belt, while both Barwick and Spann allegedly struck the victim with closed fists. Spann then pulled out a knife and, while Montrez Brown continued to allegedly hold down the victim, he began cutting and striking the victim with the knife. As Tyric Brown fell to the ground, the suspects, along with the large crowd gathered around the fight, ran from the area.

Henry County Coroner Derek Wright pronounced Tyric Brown dead at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. He suffered multiple cuts and stab wounds, mainly to his arms and torso area.

Maddox said the violence at the block party also resulted in three other people getting injured, one of whom he said included Spann. He said Spann underwent surgery to mend an arm injury while at Flowers Hospital.

Maddox also said two other people were stabbed during the altercation, including a 13-year-old girl and one of the other suspects.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WTVY.com
Ken Curtis - Oct. 6, 2016 at 7:40 PM CDT

Henry County man found not guilty of murder

A Henry County jury, after almost six hours of deliberations, found an Abbeville man not guilty Thursday of murder in the death of a teenager fatally stabbed in 2013.

Montrez Brown was one of three people arrested after Tyric Brown, 17, was killed during what investigators term an Abbeville block party with 200 or more people got out of control. Montrez Brown was 18 at the time.

Gregory Spann was convicted last year in Brown’s death and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors say he is the man that committed the actual stabbing.

However, Assistant District Attorney Sam Clenney told jurors that Montrez Brown held a belt around Tyric Brown’s neck while Spann committed the crime.

Defense attorney Arthur Medley differed, telling the 12-member panel that, while DNA implicated Spann, it did not link his client to the crime.

“Gregory Spann is not the same person as Montrez Brown and we think the right thing (the acquittal) was done,” Medley said.

However, Tyric Brown’s mother disagrees. “You wait on the verdict and you wait on the justice system to do their job and it did not prevail,” Elaine Birkshire said.

Tyric Brown would have turned 21 years old Thursday. Blackshire said a celebration of her son’s life was planned for later in the day.

“We know it’s hard on all those involved and we send our deepest sympathy to Tyric’s family,” Medley said.

While it was earlier reported the Browns are cousins, Blackshire said there was no relation.

The third person arrested, Marquise Barwick, is scheduled for trial later this month

Source: View WTVY.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Matt Elofson - Oct 20, 2015 Updated Feb 19, 2019

Abbeville homicide victim remembered at memorial service

A memorial service was recently held on the birthday of an Abbeville man who was stabbed to death during an altercation in an Abbeville street in April 2013.

Elaine Blackshire, the mother of Emmett Tyric Brown, said her son would’ve celebrated his 20th birthday on Tuesday Oct. 6. She said family and friends gathered on his birthday during a memorial birthday celebration held at the Abbeville Memorial Church of God gravesite. Friends and relatives held a balloon release and candle lighting ceremony.

Brown was born Oct. 6, 1995, and murdered on April 13, 2013.

Henry County Sheriff’s investigators arrested three people and charged them with murder in the Brown stabbing. Only one suspect, 20-year-old Gregory Spann, has been trial. Spann was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Similar felony murder charges remain pending against Marquise Barwick and Montrez Brown.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WTVY.com
Press Release: AL Attorney General Luther Strange

Court of Criminal Appeals upholds Henry County murder conviction

Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday upheld the murder conviction of Gregory Rayshon Spann. Spann, 20, of Abbeville, was convicted in August of 2015 for the murder of Tyric Brown.

Evidence was presented at trial that on the evening of April 13, 2013, a block party was held at a club called the "Game Room” in Abbeville. While standing outside the club, Spann and Brown got into an argument. After the men were separated, Brown walked in the opposite direction. Spann along with others, ran toward Brown and surrounded him. A physical altercation took place during which Spann stabbed Brown. An autopsy determined that Brown died as a result of having received multiple stab wounds.

The case was prosecuted at trial by Henry County District Attorney Doug Valeska's office. Spann was sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment for his murder conviction. He 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, October 21.

Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Jean Webb of the Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Section for her successful work in this case.

Source: View WTVY.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Staff Reports - Nov 13, 2012 Updated Jul 15, 2020

Eufaula wreck victims identified, remembered

The Eufaula Police Department has released the names of the two victims who died from injuries sustained in a Monday wreck near the South Eufaula Avenue/Paul Lee Parkway intersection.

The victims were identified as Najee Brown, 25, and Marlon Brown, 20, both of Eufaula. They were reportedly brothers.

The wreck occurred just after 6 p.m. and involved two vehicles. The two victims were in a Honda Accord, and the other driver, who was not injured, was in a Jeep Wrangler.

Officers are not releasing any additional information on the incident at this time. The Barbour County District Attorney's Office is also investigating the wreck.

According to Eufaula High coach Dan Klages, both Najee and Marlon were well liked among teachers and students. Najee was a defensive lineman for the football team in 2004, the year Klages was promoted to head coach. Marlon won the scholastic award for the junior varsity basketball team in 2009.

"It's a shame to see young people of this caliber no longer with us," Klages said. They were 'Yes sir, no sir', respectful kids - the ones you expected to be successful in life."

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Tiffiny Woo - Nov 15, 2012 Updated Jul 15, 2020

Georgia driver faces murder charges in Monday wreck

A Georgia man is facing murder charges following a Monday night wreck which claimed the lives of two brothers.

Matthew Timothy Jenkins, 19, of Griffin, Ga. was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of murder and one count of driving under the influence. He was being held in the Eufaula City Jail as of Thursday morning.

Bail was set at $400,000 - $200,000 for each murder charge. Jenkins was expected to bond out sometime Thursday.

Brothers Najee Brown, 25, and Marlon Brown, 20, were traveling south and Jenkins was traveling north on South Eufaula Avenue near the Paul Lee Parkway intersection when the wreck occurred. The two brothers were in a Honda Accord, and Jenkins was in a Jeep Wrangler. Jenkins’ Wrangler reportedly “T-boned” the Accord.

Sgt. Larry Hubbard of the Eufaula Police Department said the wreck occurred around 6:15 p.m. Monday. Deputy Coroner Kim Benefield said Marlon Brown was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Najee Brown was pronounced dead in the emergency room. Jenkins was reportedly uninjured.

Officers are not releasing further details on the accident until their investigation concludes. The Barbour County District Attorney’s Office is also investigating the wreck.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Staff Reports - Nov 13, 2012 Updated Jul 15, 2020

Eufaula wreck victims identified, remembered

The Eufaula Police Department has released the names of the two victims who died from injuries sustained in a Monday wreck near the South Eufaula Avenue/Paul Lee Parkway intersection.

The victims were identified as Najee Brown, 25, and Marlon Brown, 20, both of Eufaula. They were reportedly brothers.

The wreck occurred just after 6 p.m. and involved two vehicles. The two victims were in a Honda Accord, and the other driver, who was not injured, was in a Jeep Wrangler.

Officers are not releasing any additional information on the incident at this time. The Barbour County District Attorney's Office is also investigating the wreck.

According to Eufaula High coach Dan Klages, both Najee and Marlon were well liked among teachers and students. Najee was a defensive lineman for the football team in 2004, the year Klages was promoted to head coach. Marlon won the scholastic award for the junior varsity basketball team in 2009.

"It's a shame to see young people of this caliber no longer with us," Klages said. They were 'Yes sir, no sir', respectful kids - the ones you expected to be successful in life."

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Tiffiny Woo - Nov 15, 2012 Updated Jul 15, 2020

Georgia driver faces murder charges in Monday wreck

A Georgia man is facing murder charges following a Monday night wreck which claimed the lives of two brothers.

Matthew Timothy Jenkins, 19, of Griffin, Ga. was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of murder and one count of driving under the influence. He was being held in the Eufaula City Jail as of Thursday morning.

Bail was set at $400,000 - $200,000 for each murder charge. Jenkins was expected to bond out sometime Thursday.

Brothers Najee Brown, 25, and Marlon Brown, 20, were traveling south and Jenkins was traveling north on South Eufaula Avenue near the Paul Lee Parkway intersection when the wreck occurred. The two brothers were in a Honda Accord, and Jenkins was in a Jeep Wrangler. Jenkins’ Wrangler reportedly “T-boned” the Accord.

Sgt. Larry Hubbard of the Eufaula Police Department said the wreck occurred around 6:15 p.m. Monday. Deputy Coroner Kim Benefield said Marlon Brown was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Najee Brown was pronounced dead in the emergency room. Jenkins was reportedly uninjured.

Officers are not releasing further details on the accident until their investigation concludes. The Barbour County District Attorney’s Office is also investigating the wreck.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WTVY.com
Ken Curtis - Oct. 24, 2019 at 6:03 PM CDT

Police: Man wearing Halloween mask murders in Dothan

A man wearing an orange jumpsuit and Halloween mask fired shots that killed one person in an apparent murder case

The victim has been identified as 25-year old Bernard Bryant of Dothan.

Those living nearby told WTVY they heard several shots, possibly five or six. When police arrived they found the body of a man outside a home on Greenwood Drive.

“(The shooter) ran from the scene, the canine tracked him (but did not locate) him,” said Dothan Police Department Major Will Benny.

Police are not ruling out more than the masked man may have been involved in the shooting.

Investigators questioned neighbors and took at least one person to the police department for interrogation. It’s not known if that person is considered a suspect.

Late Thursday, they requested a ladder from the fire department to search the roof of at least one home.

(This story updated at 7:45 p.m. with name of shooting victim and there may be more than one suspect.)

Source: View WTVY.com Article

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DothanFirst.com
Staff Report - Posted: Oct 25, 2019 / 02:43 PM CDT / Updated: Oct 25, 2019 / 02:43 PM CDT

Victim identified in Greenwood Drive’s fatal shooting

UPDATE:

The victim has been identified as Bernard Bryant.

Brantley Weatherford will have more from Bryant’s friends and loved ones in our 5:00 p.m. newscast.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Dothan police are searching for the person responsible for killing someone on Greenwood Drive Thursday afternoon.

A witness at the scene said there was an argument between a person and a driver that was circling around the block. After they finished, the driver reportedly went around and fired at the victim.

“(The suspect) was wearing an orange, yellowishm and some sort of matching Halloween-style mask,” Major Will Benny said. “He ran from the scene. The K-9s tracked him to a location, where we had a negative result in locating him. The search is ongoing at this time.”

Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand - Oct 25, 2019 Updated Nov 1, 2019

Police arrest two and continue search for suspects in three shootings that left two dead

Dothan police have charged two men in connection with one of three shootings in less than 24 hours that left two victims dead and one hospitalized.

The third shooting occurred on Woodham Road just off Headland Avenue in Dothan about 10:20 p.m. Thursday.

“The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Rodney Caliste,” Dothan police Capt. Will Glover said. “At this time, we believe Mr. Caliste was shot one time to the head area.”

According to law enforcement, Caliste was shot outside his home near his driveway. A person who was allegedly inside the home when the shooting occurred was interviewed by investigators, and later determined not to be a suspect.

Caliste’s slaying follows two other apparently unrelated shootings in the city.

The first shooting occurred Thursday morning near the intersection of North Edgewood Drive and West Powell Street. Police arrested two local men Friday afternoon in connection to that shooting.

Michael Jones, 26, of Ashford, and Calvin Bivins, 29, of Dothan, are each charged with first-degree robbery and attempted murder.

“When the call originally came in, it was reported as a motor-vehicle accident,” Glover said. “It was determined, once officers arrived just after 2:40 a.m., it was actually an assault call. The victim had been shot once under the left arm area, and the bullet traveled through his chest. It appears the victim realized he was being robbed and tried to block the bullet.”

The victim is identified as Andrew Strange of Indiana. He is hospitalized.

Police believe Strange was traveling through town, and say the shooting could be related to a bad drug deal.

Around 2 p.m., officers were called to the 1200 block of Greenwood Drive by a report of another shooting.

“During the investigation, witnesses informed investigators the victim and several other people were outside sitting around a table talking when a male wearing a Halloween mask and orange clothing appeared from behind a privacy fence and fatally shot 25-year-old Bernard Bryant,” Glover said.

The bullet struck Bryant under the armpit area and the traveled into the chest area, killing him.

Glover said the shootings are not related.

“We are still investigating all three cases, and we are continuing our search for the suspects,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the shootings is asked to call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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Eufaula Tribune
Anastasia Scarborough -October 15, 2013

Barbour County Sheriff's Department investigates second murder in less than a week

The Barbour County Sheriff's Department is investigating a second murder in less than a week.

The Barbour County Sheriff’s Department responded to a house fire at 3114 Highway 30 around 10:30 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 13). The body of Jacquelin “Jackie” Bunnell, 53, was discovered inside. She had been shot by a handgun, Barbour County Sheriff LeRoy Upshaw reported, but he is uncertain if she died by the gunshot wound or the fire as an autopsy is pending.

The vehicle of the suspect in the case, Bunnell’s stepson Noah Bunnell, 24, was later found abandoned on Highway 51 in Bullock County. Bunnell was found and placed under arrest by Phenix City Police Monday (Oct. 14).

“Bunnell confessed to shooting his stepmother and setting the house (on Highway 30) on fire,” said Upshaw. “As far as we can tell, this is a domestic type situation. The stepson was upset that his daddy had married (his stepmother) and left her everything. He confessed to carrying a handgun into her residence and an argument ensued.”

Bunnell is currently being held in the Barbour County Jail. Upshaw stated Bunnell was arrested without incident.

“He has been charged with capital murder, arson and burglary,” said Upshaw. “I’d like to thank the (Alabama State) Fire Marshall, Barbour County District Attorney’s Office, Russell County Sheriff’s Department, Bullock County Sheriff’s Department, Phenix City Police Department and my deputies for their assistance in this case.”

Elizabeth Sanders, 71, was murdered Friday, Oct. 11, on Farmer Road in the Springhill community northwest of Eufaula. Arrests have yet to made in connection with Sanders' death.

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Eufaula Tribune
Penny Carter - Press Release: July 22, 2015

Bunnell pleads guilty to murder

A murderer has been brought to justice in the eyes of one family with ties to Barbour County.

Noah Bunnell, 26, of Clayton, received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole on Thursday, July 9, in the Barbour County courtroom of Circuit Court Judge Burt Smithart. A plea bargain was accepted by Bunnell on Tuesday, July 7, on the advice of his defense team of Jennifer Tompkins and Trey Green. Bunnell’s hearing was held at the Eufaula Courthouse Tuesday, but the information could not be released until after sentencing was carried out on Thursday due to a gag order that was in place on the case.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this case,” Barbour County District Attorney Ben Reeves commented in a press release sent out on Friday. “Justice was served for Jacquelin Bunnell’s family; especially her mother, daughter and son. And that is what we strive for…justice for the victim and their family.”

Bunnell plead guilty to the charge of capital murder arson in the slaying of his stepmother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Bunnell, during a robbery committed on Oct. 13, 2013. He also pled guilty to setting the house on fire to hide the crime.

“This family asked me a month ago to offer Noah Bunnell the chance to plead guilty to life in the penitentiary without the possibility of parole instead of going to trial where we would have been seeking the death penalty,” the District Attorney said.

On the night of Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, members of the Clayton Police Department, Clayton Rescue and deputies with the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Highway 30 address of Mrs. Bunnell after her son, Todd Jordan, made a 911 call to report the house fire when he returned home from work late that night. He identified his mother’s vehicle parked in front of the home to responding emergency personnel, leading rescuers to believe she was still inside the structure.

Mrs. Bunnell’s remains were found the day after the fire as firefighters, who had fought the structure fire most of the night, searched through the burnt home to ensure all hot spots were contained or extinguished. Also found in the home were the bodies of three dogs that had been trapped in the house.

Bunnell is believed to have gotten into an argument with his stepmother over personal property that had belonged to his deceased father. After killing her, Bunnell then broke into a safe that contained guns and family documents. He set fire to the house with the fire originating from one of the bedrooms of the residence.

He was picked up in Russell County by the Russell County authorities on Monday, Oct. 14, after a BOLO was issued by the BCSO. He proceeded to confess to the murder of his stepmother to law enforcement authorities in Russell County while in their custody. After his arrest, Bunnell was transferred to the Barbour County Jail where he had been held without bond since Oct. 14, 2013.

“We had a strong case against the defendant and I believe he made the right decision to take the offer of life without parole,” Reeves said. “In my opinion, the evidence would have justified a death sentence.”

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RickeyStokesNews.com
Rickey Stokes - October 18, 2013 5:03 PM

VICTIMS IDENTIFIED - Apparent Murder - Suicide: BREAKING NEWS: Incident On Going In Malvern

MALVERN: Multiple law enforcement officers and emergency vehicles on College Street ion Malvern.

The area is sealed. Geneva County Sheriff Deputies, Alabama State Troopers, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, and Slocomb Rescue are on the scene.

We are getting mixed information on the situation. UNCONFIRMED to the exact details of the situation.

Matt Boster is responding for RSN.

UPDATED: Matt is on the scene. Multiple Law Enforcement Officers are on the scene. Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward is also on the scene. We will update soon.

UPDATED By MARTY: I did call Tony Helms Chief Deputy with the Geneva County Sheriff's Office. He advised that the woman who lives at the residence had not shown up for work. The lady was spoken to last night. The daughter went to check on her and the daughter thought she may have heard a gunshot while attempting to check on her. Tony Helms advised that no one knows anything at this time. We will update if further information develops.

UPDATED @ 5:58 PM

Dothan Police Department has dispatched the bomb truck to the scene to use the robot on the scene. The bomb robot is equipped with video equipment where it can be remotely sent into a situation and viewed from a safe distance in order to keep manpower safe.

We will update.

UPDATED @ 9:43 PM

At 7:26 PM Dothan Police robot breached the door of the house. Media members heard what they thought was flash bangs, but it was the robot breaching the door of the residence.

Through the robot and video surveillance of the robot, law enforcement officers were able to locate the male body in the residence. He was deceased.

The Special Response Team Officers then entered the residence where a female body was found inside the residence.

There is no indication of any outside foul play. Geneva County Sheriff Deputies are conducting a detailed investigation into the facts and circumstances. The crime scene is worked in detail, as all crime scenes.

However, at this time all indication is the deaths are the result of a murder - suicide.

The Geneva County Sheriff Department and Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward were assisted by Alabama State Troopers, Houston County Sheriff Department, Dothan Police Department and Geneva County Coroner Hagler Ward. Also on the scene, Slocomb Rescue and Malvern Rescue.

Geneva County 911 Central, who handles most agencies emergency communications in Geneva County, job well done in the communications and emergency operation communications.

Sheriff Ward said the investigation will continue and thanks to all agencies for their assistance. His prayers are with the family of a tragic situation.

UPDATED @ 10:49 PM

The victims are identified as Russell and Sheila Burge of College Street in Malvern. This came from family members and not law enforcement sources. Ms. Burge was 57 years old and we do not know the exact age of Mr. Burge.

Prayers go out to the family of the Burge family. We have walked in your shoes. Always look up. Your community, family, friends and church family will be lifting you up in prayers

Source: View RickeyStokesNews.com Article

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Murder-Suicide.blogspot.com
TSC - Monday, October 21, 2013

Police Robot Locates Bodies Of Couple

"MALVERN, AL — A Geneva County couple was found dead in their home late Friday, the apparent victims of murder/suicide. Family members identified them as Russell and Sheila Burge. Public records show Sheila was 57 years old while Russell’s age was not immediately known.

"Law enforcement surrounded the home in Malvern about 5:00 p.m. Friday after a person, believed to be a family member, heard a shot while approaching the home. The bodies were found a few hours later after a mechanical robot was dispatched inside the home. Officers did not immediately enter the College Street residence because they were not sure whether a hostage situation existed. "Family members at the scene said the couple had recent domestic issues. One member said had been depressed the past few weeks and may have tried to take his life a few days ago. That was not immediately confirmed by law enforcement. "Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward said investigators will remain on the scene for a period of time though there is no reason to believe anyone else was involved in the double shooting. It’s believed that Russell killed his wife then turned the gun on himself."

From dothanfirst.com

Source: View Murder-Suicide.blogspot.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Staff Reports - Oct 22, 2013 Updated Oct 22, 2013

Malvern murder-suicide inquiry closed

Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward called the investigation into a fatal shooting last week in the Malvern community a murder-suicide.

Ward said sheriff’s investigators determined 56-year-old Russell Burge fatally shot his wife, 57-year-old Sheila Burge, sometime Thursday night. He also said investigators learned Russell Burge apparently turned the gun on himself the next afternoon, right around the same time the couple’s daughter arrived at the home.

“When she was beating on the window she heard the gunshot, and that was Friday afternoon,” Ward said.

Geneva County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the couple’s home, located on East College Street in Malvern, late Friday afternoon. Law enforcement officers from several agencies responded.

Police gained entry to the home with a robot and several explosive devices to open two locked doors of the home. Russell Burge and his wife were found in separate bedrooms.

Ward said there was no history of calls to the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office from the residence.

“We don’t know why, apparently there were issues,” Ward said. “We’re not getting much from the family other than he’s talked about doing this. He’s talked about doing a murder-suicide.”

Ward said the investigation into the shooting is closed, calling it a murder-suicide.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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No criminal details found.

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DothanFirst.com
Staff Reports - Mar 29, 2018 / 02:09 AM CDT / Updated: Mar 29, 2018 / 02:09 AM CDT

Elba woman charged with murder after running another woman over with car

ELBA, Ala. – At approximately 8:00 p.m. on March 27, the Elba Police Department responded to the report of a vehicle crash near the intersection of Farris Street and Kendrick Street involving a pedestrian.

The victim, Tiera Burks (20), of Elba, was transported by air ambulance to Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan where she was treated, but later succumbed to her injuries.

Investigation into the crash revealed the victim has been in an altercation involving another individual which led to the victim being struck by the offender’s vehicle. Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Danae Ware (33), of Elba, AL.

Ware is currently in the Coffee County Jail with no bond until a first appearance on the charge of murder.

Anyone having further information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Elba Police Department at (334) 897-2555.

Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: View DothanFirst.com Article

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SoutheastSun.com
Josh Boutwell - March 29, 2018 Updated April 3, 2018

Elba woman arrested in connection to murder

The Elba Police Department announced Wednesday, the arrest of an Elba woman in connection to a March 27 incident that left one Elba woman dead.

According to a news release, Elba PD at approximately 8 p.m. on March 27 responded to a report of a vehicle crash near the intersection of Farris St. and Kendrick St., behind the Family Dollar in Elba, involving a pedestrian.

The victim, Tiera Burks, 20, of Elba, was transported by air ambulance to Southeast Medical Center in Dothan where she was treated and then later died due to the injuries she suffered in the incident.

The investigation into the crash revealed that the victim had been in an altercation involving another individual, which led to the victim being struck by the offender’s vehicle, according to the news release.

Further investigation by the Elba PD led to the arrest of Danae Ware, 33, of Elba.

Ware is currently being held with no bond at Coffee County Jail until her first appearance on the charge of murder.

Elba PD is requesting that anyone with further information involving this incident contact Elba PD at (334) 897-2555.

Source: View SoutheastSun.com Article

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DothanFirst.com
Staff Reports - March 30, 2018 / 12:37 AM CDT / Updated: March 30, 2018 / 12:37 AM CDT

Neighbors and family members react to Elba woman’s murder

20-year-old Elba resident Tiera Burks died Tuesday, March 27 after being run over by a vehicle right in her front yard.

33-year-old Danae Ware has been arrested and charged for her murder.

Police investigation reveals Ware and Burks has an altercation, which led to Ware striking Burks with her vehicle.

Burks was transported to a local hospital where she later died.

Neighbors and family members say her death was tragic for the community and the altercation never should have led to murder.

Councilman Rolanda Jones will be holding a support and fundraiser event in April, with proceeds to go to Ms. Burk’s family.

Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: View DothanFirst.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand - June 20, 2018 Updated February 19, 2019

Grand jury to hear Elba woman’s murder case

ELBA – A Coffee County grand jury will consider the case against an Elba woman accused in a March 27 murder.

Coffee County District Judge Christopher Kaminski entered an order stating probable cause was found to exist during Danae Ware’s preliminary hearing; the case has been bound over to a grand jury.

Ware, 33, of Elba, was arrested March 28 and charged with the murder of 20-year-old Tiera Burks.

Police believe the incident stemmed from a verbal and physical altercation between the two women, which led to Ware allegedly striking Burks with her vehicle. Burks was transported to a Dothan hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries.

Ware told the police she did not intend to hit Burks with her car; she said she lost control of the vehicle when she was struck by Burks’ boyfriend through the vehicle’s window.

Kaminski granted the defense’s motion to reduce bail. Ware could be released from the Coffee County Jail by posting a $50,000 standard secured bond.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand - Sep 14, 2018 Updated Feb 19, 2019

Bond reduced once again for woman facing murder charges

ELBA –A Coffee County District Judge reduced a bond amount of an Elba woman facing murder charges.

Danae Ware, 33, of Elba, went before Judge Christopher Kaminski during a bond reduction hearing. Kaminski reduced Ware’s bond to the standard bond amount of $30,000.

This was Ware’s second bond reduction hearing. During her last bond reduction hearing, Kaminski set her bond at $50,000. However, defense attorney Joshua Pipkin filed a motion on Aug. 23 requesting a bond reduction hearing. The motion stated his client was unable to pay excessive bond requirements.

Ware was arrested March 28 and charged with the murder of 20-year-old Tiera Burks.

Police believe the incident stemmed from a verbal and physical altercation between the two women, which led to Ware allegedly striking Burks with her vehicle. Burks was transported to a Dothan hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries.

Ware told the police she did not intend to hit Burks with her car; she said she lost control of the vehicle when Burks’ boyfriend struck her through the vehicle’s window.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanFirst.com
Staff Reports - Dec 11, 2018 / 12:12 AM CST / Updated: Dec 11, 2018 / 12:19 AM CST

Woman indicted for murder for running over Elba woman with vehicle

COFFEE COUNTY, Ala.– The woman charged with running over another woman at an Elba apartment complex earlier in March, has been indicted for murder by a Coffee County grand jury.

Danae Ware was arrested after she allegedly ran over and killed 20-year-old Elba resident, Tiera Burks, in her own front yard on March 27.

A police investigation reveals an altercation between the two is what led to Ware allegedly striking Burks with the vehicle she was driving.

Burks was transported to a local hospital where she later died.

Ware’s arraignment hearing has been set for January 15th at the Elba Courthouse.

Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: View DothanFirst.com Article

 

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DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand - Oct 25, 2019 Updated Nov 1, 2019

Police arrest two and continue search for suspects in three shootings that left two dead

Dothan police have charged two men in connection with one of three shootings in less than 24 hours that left two victims dead and one hospitalized.

The third shooting occurred on Woodham Road just off Headland Avenue in Dothan about 10:20 p.m. Thursday.

“The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Rodney Caliste,” Dothan police Capt. Will Glover said. “At this time, we believe Mr. Caliste was shot one time to the head area.”

According to law enforcement, Caliste was shot outside his home near his driveway. A person who was allegedly inside the home when the shooting occurred was interviewed by investigators, and later determined not to be a suspect.

Caliste’s slaying follows two other apparently unrelated shootings in the city.

The first shooting occurred Thursday morning near the intersection of North Edgewood Drive and West Powell Street. Police arrested two local men Friday afternoon in connection to that shooting.

Michael Jones, 26, of Ashford, and Calvin Bivins, 29, of Dothan, are each charged with first-degree robbery and attempted murder.

“When the call originally came in, it was reported as a motor-vehicle accident,” Glover said. “It was determined, once officers arrived just after 2:40 a.m., it was actually an assault call. The victim had been shot once under the left arm area, and the bullet traveled through his chest. It appears the victim realized he was being robbed and tried to block the bullet.”

The victim is identified as Andrew Strange of Indiana. He is hospitalized.

Police believe Strange was traveling through town, and say the shooting could be related to a bad drug deal.

Around 2 p.m., officers were called to the 1200 block of Greenwood Drive by a report of another shooting.

“During the investigation, witnesses informed investigators the victim and several other people were outside sitting around a table talking when a male wearing a Halloween mask and orange clothing appeared from behind a privacy fence and fatally shot 25-year-old Bernard Bryant,” Glover said.

The bullet struck Bryant under the armpit area and the traveled into the chest area, killing him.

Glover said the shootings are not related.

“We are still investigating all three cases, and we are continuing our search for the suspects,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the shootings is asked to call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WTVY.com
Ken Curtis - Nov. 4, 2019 at 12:15 PM CST

Police return to murder scene but mum on reason

Dothan police returned to the scene of an apparent murder Monday morning, presumably searching for additional evidence.

Officers used a fire department ladder to take photos through what appears to be a garage window of the home where 38-year old Rodney Caliste died October 24. He suffered one or more gunshot wounds to the head.

No arrests have been made.

They also could also be seen using what appeared to be metal detectors outside the home on Woodham Road.

What is being sought in that renewed search has not been made public but sources say new information may have altered dynamics of the investigation.

Police, on the night of the shooting, found a pistol lying on the ground in close proximity to Caliste's body.

Initial forensics tests on that gun and shell casings also found have been completed. What those tests revealed has not been released.

Caliste, from Dothan, also had ties to the Atlanta area. He was a small budget movie producer and involved in the music industry.

Court records reveal that, in 2006, he was convicted of cocaine trafficking in Houston County and a judge placed him on probation.

Source: View WTVY.com Article

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DothanFirst.com
Nathaniel Rodriguez - Jan 15, 2020 / 02:29 PM CST / Updated: Jan 15, 2020 / 03:11 PM CST

BREAKING: Dothan police make breakthrough in October murder case

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Dothan police officers and Douglas County deputies arrested a new suspect in the shooting death of a Dothan man back in October.

On Oct. 24, 2019, Rodney Caliste was shot in the face outside his home on Woodham Drive. The suspect fled the area, and for months, investigators looked for whoever was responsible.

Their search eventually led them to Douglasville, Georgia, where the DPD and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division found a suspect this week.

The suspect — Marcus Hubbard, 49, of Douglasville — was taken into custody while he left his home.

Authorities charged the man with one count of murder. According to Lt. Will Glover, Hubbard and Caliste were business associates.

The investigation is still in progress as law enforcement conducts searches in the area. Hubbard reportedly faces some narcotics charges related to search warrants in the case.

Another arrest is possible in the case as well. Should anything else develop today, we will update this story.

Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: View DothanFirst.com Article

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Patch.com
Geoff Dempsey - Jan 21, 2020 3:00 pm ET

Douglasville Man Arrested On Alabama Murder Charge

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — A Douglasville man was arrested and charged with a 2019 Alabama murder, according to authorities. Marcus Hubbard, 49, is accused of the Oct. 24, 2019 murder of 38-year-old Rodney Caliste.

According to authorities, Hubbard was arrested while leaving his Douglasville home on Jan. 15. Authorities also carried out search warrants which resulted in narcotics charges for Hubbard.

Once the narcotics charges are complete, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said, Hubbard will be extradited to Alabama.

The alleged murder took place in Dothan, Alabama, releases from Douglasville and Dothan authorities say.

The Dothan Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office are working together on the case and more arrests related to the case are possible, the Dothan Police Department said.

Source: View Patch.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
From staff reports - May 25, 2019 Updated May 26, 2019

Two wounded in Florida Avenue shooting

Police are investigating an early Saturday afternoon shooting that left two people wounded in northeast Dothan.

Lt. Rachel David said officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Florida Avenue.

Upon arrival they located a male and a female with gunshot wounds. The two were taken to Southeast Health.

David said investigators were gathering information at the scene. Anyone with information on the shooting should contact the police department.

The 1:55 p.m. call came across as a firearm assault with moderate injuries.

David said they had several witness reports that there were several people running from the area, but it wasn’t clear whether they were running from the situation or running as a part of the situation.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WSFA.COM
WSFA Staff | May 26, 2019 at 4:17 PM CDT - Updated May 26 at 4:17 PM

2 arrested in Dothan shooting turned homicide

DOTHAN, Ala. (WSFA) - Two suspects have been charged with murder after a shooting in Dothan Saturday turned into a homicide.

According to the Dothan Police Department, officers responded to the 400 block of Florida Avenue where they found two people who had been shot. The victims were taken to a local medical facility for treatment, where one of them died from injuries sustained. The other is in critical condition.

Dothan Police have arrested two suspects and charged them with murder, but police advise the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. Police ask that anyone with information call 334-615-3000.

Copyright 2019 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.

Source: View WSFA.COM Article

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DothanEagle.com
From staff reports May 26, 2019 Updated May 26, 2019

Two charged with murder in firearm assault on Florida Avenue

Two suspects have been arrested and charged with murder in connection to a firearm assault that left one person dead and another in critical condition.

Dothan Police responded about 1:55 p.m. Saturday to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Florida Avenue. Two people – a male and a female – suffered gunshot wounds and were in critical condition.

Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd said Shawn Callins, 35, of Dothan, died about 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the emergency room at Southeast Health. The other victim was listed in critical condition on Sunday.

Chief Steve Parrish will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday at the police department to answer questions regarding the shooting.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-793-7000.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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WSFA.com
WSFA Staff | May 27, 2019 at 12:02 PM CDT - Updated May 27 at 9:04 PM

1 man dead, pregnant woman injured in Dothan shooting

DOTHAN, Ala. (WSFA) - We’re learning more details surrounding a Dothan shooting that left one person dead and a pregnant woman critically injured.

Dothan police say two 18-year-olds have been charged in the shooting and robbery that took place Saturday. Willie Gerome Blackmon and Kaleb Tyreak Tubbs are each charged with capital murder and attempted murder.

Police say officers responded to the 400 block of Florida Avenue where they found two people who had been shot multiple times. The victims have been identified as Shawn Bernard Callins and Kenisha Lashea Lee.

Callins was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Lee, who was six and a half months pregnant, was airlifted to a Florida Hospital for treatment. The baby was removed through an emergency c-section. Lee and the infant remain in critical condition, police say.

An investigation into the shooting revealed the suspects forced their way into the apartment in an attempt to commit a robbery. Once inside, they began shooting at the victims, striking each one multiple times. The suspects then fled the scene on foot.

The Dothan Police Department says it is still searching for two more suspects. No other details have been released.

Both Blackmon and Tubbs are in custody at the Houston County Jail under no bond.

Copyright 2019 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.

Source: View WSFA.com Article

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DothanEagle.com
Michele Forehand May 27, 2019 Updated Jun 21, 2019

Dothan teens charged with murder in Florida Avenue shooting

Two Dothan teens face capital murder and attempted murder in a Saturday shooting on Florida Avenue.

Willie Blackmon, 18, and Kaleb Tubbs, 18, both of Dothan were arrested Sunday, May 26, and charged with capital murder and attempted murder for the shooting death of Shawn Bernard Callins, 35, of Dothan. Kanesha Lee, 31, of Dothan, was critically injured.

Dothan Police responded at 1:50 p.m. Saturday, May 25, to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Florida Avenue. Two people – a male and a female – suffered gunshot wounds and were in critical condition.

According to Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish it was determined during the investigation the suspects forced their way in the front door. Once inside the home, the suspects began shooting at the victims. Both victims were struck multiple times.

Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd said Callins died about 3:30 p.m., Saturday in the emergency room at Southeast Health.

Lee was shot in both legs and femur, shattering her femur. Lee was air lifted to a Florida hospital for treatment of her injuries. Lee was six months pregnant. Once arriving at the Florida hospital an emergency c-section was performed to deliver the baby. The baby is in NICU in critical condition. Lee remains in the ICU in critical condition with a rod and guide in her femur.

“From my understanding, the crime which lead to the death of Mr. Callins and critically injured Ms. Lee was robbery,” said Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-793-7000.

Blackman and Tubbs are in the Houston County Jail with no bond.

Source: View DothanEagle.com Article

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DothanFirst.com
Robert Smith | Paige Weeks | Nathaniel Rodriguez
Posted: May 25, 2019 03:14 PM CDT
Updated: May 29, 2019 06:55 PM CDT

Fourth suspect captured in Florida Avenue shooting

The name of the third suspect in the Florida Avenue Shooting has been released.

Tuesday night, Dothan investigators searched for David Markel Key at a home in Abbeville due to his supposed involvement the death of Shawn Bernard Callins and the assault on Kenisha Lee, who was pregnant at the time.

After arriving, police chased Key into the woods, finding him soon after with help from Alabama Department of Corrections Canine Team and the United States Marshall Service.

Key is charged with two counts of capital murder for the burglary and robbery. Key was also charged with one count of Attempted Murder.

He now joins Willie Blackmon and Kaleb Tubbs as suspects in the case, each in jail without bond.

1:39 p.m. The fourth suspect Carlos Lindsey was captured in Enterprise.

UPDATED 5/28/19:

A third suspect in Saturday's Florida Avenue murder was captured around 7 p.m. in Henry County after a six-hour long manhunt.

Tuesday evening, Dothan police, U.S. Marshals, Henry County investigators and Alabama Department of Corrections' tracking K-9s teamed up as they searched for the suspect.

At this time, the suspect's name has not been confirmed.

UPDATE:

This is now a murder investigation. One victim, a male, is dead. The other, a female, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital. No further details are available at this time other than DPD is searching for suspects in this case.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — According to Lt. Rachel David, the Dothan Police Department received an initial call about shots fired around 2 p.m. A little after, the dispatch center updated officers about possible gunshot victims in a residence on Florida Avenue.

Officers arrived on the scene quickly and located two people suffering from gunshot wounds inside of the house. Officers along with the paramedics immediately went into life-saving actions.

Officers are currently canvassing the area for witnesses and getting information. The K-9 team ran tracks and cleared nearby residences.

At the moment, there are no suspects. If you have any helpful information involving this incident, call the dispatch center at 615-3000. More information is expected later.

Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: View DothanFirst.com Article

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WTVY.com
Ken Curtis - Aug. 21, 2019 at 5:51 PM CDT

Man charged with killing infant son plans "insanity" defense

A Dothan father facing murder charges plans to plead not guilty by reason of mental defect. That clears the way for Rolando Castillo to undergo mental evaluation, court documents reveal.

It also means defense attorneys could abandon a possible strategy to implicate Castillo’s wife in the death of their three month old baby.

Desmond Castillo died from blunt force trauma in January 2018.

Dothan police first believed an accident killed him.

However, forensics results revealed he suffered brain damage, a detached retina, and other injuries.

That’s when police charged 31-year old Rolando Castillo, claiming he was the last person with the boy before he died.

Defense attorneys indicated they might shift blame to Castillo’s wife, Karla Watkins Castillo.

During a preliminary hearing, they produced a social media post indicating she suffered from postpartum depression and feared hurting her son.

With Castillo’s plan to use his mental condition as a defense, it’s not known if those attorneys will attempt to implicate her.

Police claim they found no evidence of Karla Castillo’s involvement.

Castillo’s trial is set for April 2020.

Prosecutors say, if he is convicted, they will seek the death penalty.

Source: View WTVY.com Article

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WSFA.com
Staff Reportgs - April 26, 2018 at 3:16 PM CDT - Updated August 14 at 3:05 AM

Father facing capital murder after death of infant son

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - A father is now charged with capital murder in the death of his 3-month-old son.

Police arrested 30-year-old, Rolando Castillo, Jr. of Slocomb for the death of Desmond Castillo.

According to police, officers responded to a call Jan. 2 to a home on Coral Lane in Dothan to reports of a child not breathing. The child was taken to Flowers Hospital, but efforts to revive the child were unsuccessful.

Police say investigators received an autopsy report this week for the infant. A forensic pathologist ruled Desmond's death a homicide and noted signs of blunt force trauma to the head and internal injuries, "Those injuries were undetectable at the time the child was examined both on the scene by law enforcement and emergency personnel and at the hospital," said Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish.

Police say after re-interviewing the parents, they found enough evidence to arrest Rolando Castillo and they are not ruling out more charges or more arrests, "My heart goes out to the family members and extended family who have been very concerned and contacted us numerous times about this case," said Parrish.

Castillo is charged with capital murder because of the victim's age. According to Alabama law, victims under the age of 14 make the crime an automatic capital offense.

Castillo is held with no bond.

Copyright 2018 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.

Source: View WSFA.com Article

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WTVY.com
Ken Curtis - Apr. 28, 2018 at 8:22 AM CDT

Wife, family disagree over accused baby killer's guilt

The wife of a man charged with murdering their infant son claims he is innocent. “I don’t know who did it but I know he didn’t,” Karla Castillo told WTVY.

Others, though, believe Rolando Castillo, Junior is a cold-blooded killer.

Three-month-old Desmond Castillo suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull and detached retina, according to autopsy results. He was found unresponsive by paramedics when they arrived at the Castillo’s home January 2. Karla said she called 911.

Castillo was arrested Wednesday, one day after police received the forensic findings, and charged with Capital Murder.

However, one or more family members repeatedly told investigators the past few months Rolando Castillo killed his son. “(They were) concerned and contacted us several times,” Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish said.

While police awaited autopsy results, a rift developed between Karla and her mother. Court records reveal one week after Desmond’s death a protection order was sought against Karla. Her mom alleged Karla might be threatening her life through social media posts.

However, Houston County District Judge Benjamin Lewis dismissed the case, ruling there was no basis to issue a protection order.

Karla and Rolando were evicted from their Dothan home, owned by Karla’s mom and stepfather. They relocated to Slocomb and married a few weeks later.

Karla isn’t the only one who believes Rolando is innocent. His father, Rolando, Sr., told WTVY his son, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, would never hurt a child.

Dothan attorneys Derek Yarbrough and Shaun McGhee will represent Castillo, Jr. who is held in the Houston County Jail without bond.

Source: View WTVY.com Article

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SoutheastSun.com
Cassie Gibbs - Dec 13, 2017 Updated Dec 13, 2017

Murder suspect keeps bond following hearing

An Enterprise man suspected of murder will keep his bond after a bond revocation hearing held before District Judge Chris Kaminski on Monday, Dec. 11.

Joshua Mark Richard, 35, is the suspect in the murder of Joey Chandler, who was found deceased in a car at the Coffee County Stockyard in New Brockton on Dec. 22, 2015.

When he was first arrested and charged with homicide, Joshua Richard was held in the Coffee County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

Assistant District Attorney Josh Wilson told the court the state withdrew bond revocation charges during an Aug. 8, 2016, bond revocation hearing before Circuit Judge Shannon Clark.

According to intake reports, Joshua Richard was brought back to the Coffee County Jail on Friday, Dec. 1. Joshua Richard was charged with third-degree criminal mischief.

The first witness during the hearing was Joshua Richard's mother, Danette Chestnut.

Chestnut testified that she woke up one morning and heard what she said sounded like gunshots. She said she realized it was her windshield being busted, though she could not see her windshield from the window of her home.

She said she could see a white Lexus parked behind her car, which she said was that of her other son, Jeremy Richard. Chestnut said Jeremy Richard suffers from PTSD.

She said after she heard the gunshot-like noise, someone began to bang on her front door.

After a few moments of someone banging on her door and breaking her windshield, Chestnut said she looked back out of her window and saw an individual, who she said was one of her sons, running around the white Lexus in her yard. She said she did not see the face of the individual, only the back of the head. She said she knew the person as her son.

Chestnut said she saw the white Lexus drive away, and she said she believed Joshua Richard was the driver of the vehicle. She said she called her mother, then her husband and the police after the incident occurred.

Chestnut said Jeremy Richard helped Joshua Richard bond out of jail and lived with him. She said after he helped Joshua Richard out of jail, he never spoke to the family.

She said she received a message from Jeremy Richard after the incident where he admitted to busting her windshield.

Chestnut said she received a call from Joshua Richard while he was being held at the Coffee County Jail. During the call, she said he told her that he did not take part in the incident.

Chestnut told the court she also found a letter in her grandson's room that she believed was from Joshua Richard to Jeremy Richard.

She described the letter as "threatening."

The end of the letter, which Chestnut read to the court, included the phrase "will be 10 times more powerful than busting a windshield." She said the letter was signed by Mark, Joshua Richard's middle name.

Don Bush, Jeremy and Joshua Richard's stepfather, was then called to testify. He testified that he received a call from Joshua Richard while police were at his house following the incident.

Bush said Joshua Richard told him he needed to explain what happened. He said Joshua Richard told him that he was at Walmart and he found Jeremy Richard at their home.

Bush said he mentioned $3,000 for a bond amount that was paid, and he said Joshua Richard became upset about the amount being the cost for a windshield.

Jeremy Richard was the final witness in the hearing.

He testified that he broke Chestnut's windshield, and he said he told no one, including Joshua Richard, that he planned to break his mother's windshield.

He testified that he broke his mother's windshield by himself, and he said he tried to open the sliding glass door to her home, but it was locked.

Jeremy Richard said he drove a white Lexus and left before police arrived. He also said he had no knowledge of a letter that referenced a broken windshield.

Kaminski reinstated Joshua Richard's previous bond requirements following testimony.

Source: View SoutheastSun.com Article

 

Criminal Details

SoutheastSun.com
Michelle Mann - Jul 31, 2018 Updated Aug 1, 2018

Man charged with murder back in Coffee County Jail

An Enterprise man charged with murder is back in the Coffee County Jail.

Joshua Mark Richard, 35, was arrested July 25 after being charged with first-degree receiving stolen property and fourth-degree receiving stolen property in Houston County.

Richard is the suspect in the murder of Joey Chandler, who was found dead in a car at the Coffee County Stockyard in New Brockton on Dec. 22, 2015.

When he was first arrested and charged with homicide, Richard was held in the Coffee County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

At the time of the arrest, Coffee County Chief Deputy Ronnie Whitworth said Chandler had died "execution style from a single gunshot wound to the head" by what was believed to have been a small-caliber weapon.

The shooting occurred at the stockyard in the front parking lot approximately 15-20 feet from the roadway, according to Kenny Davis, an investigator with the Coffee County Sheriff's Office.

Source: View SoutheastSun.com Article

Criminal Details

SoutheastSun.com
Justin Blowers & Michelle Mann - Oct 23, 2018 Updated Oct 24, 2018

Murder trial ends in manslaughter plea deal

“Sometimes these things end in a whimper instead of a bang,” said renowned Enterprise attorney Paul Young after a plea deal was struck. “This is a tragedy all around.”

Joshua Mark Richard, 35, was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in a state prison with a split minimum of four years active in a state penitentiary and four years active supervised probation on Oct. 22.

Richards was originally arrested and charged with homicide in relation to the murder of Joey Chandler on $150,000 bail.

Chandler was found dead in a car at the Coffee County Stockyard in New Brockton on Dec, 22, 2015.

At the time of the arrest, Coffee County Chief Deputy Ronnie Whitworth said Chandler had died "execution style from a single gunshot wound to the head" by what was believed to have been a small-caliber weapon.

Richard was then arrested on July 25, 2018, and charged with first-degree receiving stolen property and fourth-degree receiving stolen property.

The defense and prosecution both agreed that Richard had 714 days of jail credit to put towards his four years in a penitentiary so he will only have to spend about two years in prison.

Richard was surrounded by counsel, attorneys Young, Sonny Reagan and James Tarbox as he told Circuit Judge Shannon Clark that he wanted to enter a guilty plea for manslaughter as part of a plea deal, which was accepted.

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Jeff Moore said that the plea deal had “the blessing” of the victim’s family.

The deal was struck during a recess that was only supposed to be 10 minutes before the trial would resume.

“No search warrant was issued for a (gun) shell casing that was never found?” was the question asked of a Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Deputy at a hearing held before Clark on Thursday, Oct, 18. “Correct,” the deputy replied.

During the hearing held before the start of the Oct. 22 jury trial, testimony from Coffee County Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Davis revealed that he could not prove the existence of a warrant to search the three vehicles that had been searched by law enforcement investigators in connection with the Dec. 22, 2015 shooting death.

In addition to not being able to produce proof of a search warrant’s existence, Davis said that no gun or bullet shell casing was ever found. “There was no evidence in the vehicle that we found tying (Richard) to the murder,” Davis told the court.

Richard’s attorneys also also told the court that after his arrest their client had requested an attorney at least six times during his hours-long interview with two sheriff’s department deputies.

When Davis told the court that Richard had not, in fact, requested legal advice, Reagan asked the 30-year law enforcement veteran to read aloud from Page 2, Page 7, Page 17, Page 22, Page 26 and Page 28 of the transcript of a recorded conversation the law enforcers had with Richard the night he was arrested. In each instance, Richard asked for legal assistance.

“We are not suggesting to the court that the weather ought to affect the constitutional rights of Mark Richard,” Young asked when Davis told the court that the excessive rains and cold weather that night prevented the law officers from a detailed search of the vicinity where they believe the gun would be found.

Reagan had Davis read aloud Page 16, Page 29, page 57, and Page 93 of the 95-page transcript in which Richard said he was hungry and was told he could have a cheeseburger once he told the law officers the location of the gun, that was never found.

“We implore you, do not judge this book by the prosecution’s cover,” Tarbox told the 10-woman, four-man jury during opening statements of the trial that lasted less than two hours Oct. 22. “There is not one shred of evidence except for the testimony of just one person, the one person we know was there. A man whose credibility this jury will have to judge. I believe you will find him wholly incredible.”

Source: View SoutheastSun.com Article

Criminal Details

WTVY.com
April 18, 2005

One man is dead and another is in custody after a murder that took place in Ozark.

It all started around 8 o'clock Friday night when Larrison “Larry” Christian visited the Wagon Wheel Trailer Park. 21-year-old Adam James would get into an argument with Christian. A friend to James said “next thing I knew, Adam was running back in telling me he had stabbed someone and that it was self defense." After being stabbed in the chest, Christian was taken to the Dale Medical Center where he was immediately pronounced dead.

James had been living with a friend in the trailer park for the past few months. According to his friend, James and Christian got into a fight over a woman who also lived in the same trailer park. It wasn't the first time the two men had argued.

Christian’s friend doesn't agree that it was self defense, but one thing they do agree on is that the woman they were fighting over was in their words "trouble".

Since the murder, someone has vandalized the woman's car and belongings.

According to Ozark Police, the motive at this point appears to be domestic-related. James has been charged with murder and is currently in the Dale County Jail under no bond. Investigators will meet at the Dale County District Attorney's Office today.