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Josie Renee McClenney
Birth: September 14, 1996
Death: March 29, 2020
Obituary
Ms. Josie McClenney, age 23, of Headland, Alabama, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Josie was born on September 14, 1996 in Dothan, Alabama, the daughter of Jennifer McClenney and Billy Nix. She was preceded in death by her mother; her step-father, Scotty Paul Strickland, Sr.; grandparents, William McClenney and Betty Williams; 2 aunts Gwen McClenney and Frankie Strickland.
Left to cherish her memories are: father, Billy Nix (Jessica); 2 brothers, Scotty Strickland, Jr., Billy Nix, Jr.; 2 sisters, Briana Strickland (Henry), Emily Nix; grandmothers, Anna Strickland, Sandra Williams; nephew, Elijah Stokes; cousins, Mary Faircloth, Wade Lecroy, Jonathon Lecroy, Tina Lecroy, Lashanda Cota, Greg Cota, Jodi Pate, Clint Dykes, Myra Nolan, Jacob Pate; and many more extended family.
Josie was a loving, kind woman who loved helping people. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Criminal News
Eufaula man arrested in Headland homicide; victim identified
HEADLAND — A Eufaula man has been arrested and charged in the murder of a Headland woman whose body was discovered in her apartment Sunday with multiple stab wounds after neighbors notified police they were concerned about her whereabouts.
Stephon Arkel Walton, 23, is charged in the homicide of Josie Renee McClenney, 23. Police said McClenney and Walton were involved in an “off-and-on” relationship for a long period of time.
The Headland Police Department and the Henry County Coroner’s Office are still investigating the crime scene at Greentree Apartments after residents notified police about a neighbor’s well-being.
According to Headland police Chief Mark Jones, several residents were worried about McClenney, who they had not seen in some time, and a foul odor was reported coming from McClenney’s apartment.
“Officers arrived on scene to find a female victim in her early 20s stabbed to death in her apartment,” Jones said. “At this time, it appears the victim was stabbed multiple times. We believe, at this time, the victim had been dead for three to four days. Additional testing will be conducted, due to the condition of the body.”
Read article on DothanEagle.com
Ja'Lexius Lashon Wells
Birth: August 30, 2002
Death: November 20, 2022
Obituary
Ja'Lexius Wells, born on August 30, 2002, departed and went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2022.
Ja 'Lexius was a pure, rich soul. There was never a moment when she was present, and a smile was nowhere to be found. She kept a room lit with happiness and filled with love and laughter. Ja 'Lexius was deeply passionate about many, many things, but her favorites were her niece, her family, and her nails. From a very young age, she would sit for hours painting her fingernails and toenails. She was planning to pursue a career in nails.
Next, her niece. Ja 'Lexius loved her niece more than anything. She would sit and play with her for hours on end. She was also passionate about her family. “Lex” always made sure we were okay. Anything she had that we needed was ours too. Not one moment went by without Lex making sure her family was okay. Lex was so loving and that resulted in her having many, many friends.
Lex always lended her ears and heart to her friends who were feeling down and needed support and motivation. One thing Lex had that she never hesitated to use was that big heart she has. No matter how much she was going through, she always put a smile on her face and pushed through. Lex was also an extremely hard worker. No matter the conditions, she made sure she was at work on time each shift she was expected to be present for. Like anywhere else, she lit up her workplace with her positivity and loving, welcoming, heartwarming smile. Her smile was so beautiful and could be spotted a million miles away. On your worst day, she could simply smile and turn your entire day around.
Ja’lexius leaves to cherish her loving memories to her mother: Beatrice Hornsby; father: Jimmy Lee Wells; three sisters: Shaundre Hornsby, Litiana Wells, Keyosha Sheridan; and one brother, Jumetre Wells and her niece Khelani Harper all of Enterprise, AL; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and host of other relatives and friends.
Services
VISITATION
Friday
December 2, 2022
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Coleman Funeral Home
701 Daleville Avenue
Enterprise, AL 36330
FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
December 3, 2022
11:00 AM
St Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
121 S. Carroll St.
Enterprise, AL 36330
Criminal News
Police identify 14-year-old suspect in Dothan double murder
by: Richard Everett
Posted: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
Updated: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — During an investigation into the double murder of two Dothan women, police have identified a teenage suspect, per Dothan Police Department.
According to a press release, the suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Vincent Lamar Oliver Jr., of Dothan. Authorities say Oliver is wanted for two counts of capital murder.
Daughter of Hartselle ‘murder-for-hire’ suspect plead for her release
The teen has been accused in the murders of 21-year-old Jasmine Danielle Bean, and 20-year-old Ja’Lexius Lashon Wells.
Bean and Wells were both shot to death in a Dothan home Sunday night, where police believe there was a gathering at the home.
Police add that Oliver has active juvenile pickup orders of attempted assault first-degree and one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, both of which occurred in July 2022.
According to a court order, no additional information on Oliver can be released at this time.
Jasmine Danielle Bean
Birth: June 27, 2001
Death: November 20, 2022
Obituary
Jasmine Danielle Bean passed away on November 20, 2022;
She was born on June 27. 2001 in Dothan Alabama. Jasmine was baptized at Parks Chapel AME Church and was an active member in the Young Peoples Division, Youth Choir, Praise Dance Team, Junior Stewardess Board, and Junior Usher Board.
Jasmine was a lively, beautiful spirited young lady who loved God, her family and her friends.
Preceding her in death: is her beloved grandfather, Reverend David Beacham.
She leaves to cherish her memory to her parents: Priscilla Bean and Ronnie Knight, (Catherine R. Warren; her amazing daughter: Azalea Monae Bean; siblings: Christopher (Crystal) Bean, Bruce Bean, Amber Warren, Deshawn Badger and Anna Lopez; nieces/nephews: Payton, Damien, Nolyn, Tamara, Keiley and Levi; grandmother: Mrs. Clara Beacham; special parents: Morris (Evelyn) affectionately called Papa & Tee Tee, Chip Cody and Labrenda Cody. A host of additional aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
Police identify 14-year-old suspect in Dothan double murder
by: Richard Everett
Posted: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
Updated: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — During an investigation into the double murder of two Dothan women, police have identified a teenage suspect, per Dothan Police Department.
According to a press release, the suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Vincent Lamar Oliver Jr., of Dothan. Authorities say Oliver is wanted for two counts of capital murder.
Daughter of Hartselle ‘murder-for-hire’ suspect plead for her release
The teen has been accused in the murders of 21-year-old Jasmine Danielle Bean, and 20-year-old Ja’Lexius Lashon Wells.
Bean and Wells were both shot to death in a Dothan home Sunday night, where police believe there was a gathering at the home.
Police add that Oliver has active juvenile pickup orders of attempted assault first-degree and one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, both of which occurred in July 2022.
According to a court order, no additional information on Oliver can be released at this time.
Layla Rebecca Watson
Birth: September 15, 2003
Death: April 6, 2021
Obituary
Miss Layla Rebecca Watson, age 17 of Andalusia, passed away on Tuesday April 6th, 2021. Funeral services for Miss Layla will be held at 2PM Saturday April 10th, 2021 with a 30 minute visitation prior to services at Cedar Grove Church of Christ with Minister Larry Turman officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:30PM Friday April 9th at Foreman Funeral Home.
She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon Watson of Andalusia; sisters, Lana and Lyla Watson of Andalusia; maternal grandparents, Morris and Rita Mullen of Andalusia; paternal grandmother, Deborah Watson of Andalusia; maternal great-grandparents Jimmy and Madge Cobb of Andalusia; paternal great-grandmother Joyce Watson; three uncles and one aunt, Josh (Kim) Mullen, Brant Mullen, Sam Watson, and Brittany Watson, all of Andalusia.
Pallbearers will be Jonathon Watson, Sam Watson, Bailey Faulkner, Josh Mullen, Brant Mullen, and Jacob Howard.
Those wishing to sign the online guest registry may do so online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.
Andalusia man found guilty for 2021 killing of teen
Published: Nov. 19, 2020 at 10:01 AM EST
By Ty Storey
Published: Aug. 25, 2023 at 5:12 PM EDT
ANDALUSIA, Ala. (WTVY) - An Andalusia man has been found guilty by a Covington County jury in connection with the 2021 death of a 17-year-old girl.
Following a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour when they found 19-year-old Damien Lashawn Beasley guilty of Manslaughter, Abuse of a Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Evidence presented during the trial painted a picture of what happened on the morning of April 6, 2021. According to court records, a then 17-year-old Beasley, the incident’s victim Layla Watson, and two others, Brayden Awalt and Robert Jones, were hanging out together at Awalt’s grandmother’s home. While hanging out in the backyard, Awalt retrieved a shotgun and gave it to Beasley, with differing reports from Awalt and Jones saying Beasley was either being casual with the gun or potentially erratic while standing near Layla.
Both Jones and Awalt say Layla’s last words to or referring to Beasley were either “He’s alright. It won’t shoot,” or “You won’t shoot.” In either case, neither Awalt or Jones testified that Beasley pointed the gun at Layla, but they did confirm they heard the shotgun being shot, and looked up to see Layla on the ground and Beasley still holding the gun. Beasley and Awalt then dug a hole beneath the privacy fence and drug Layla’s body to the woods adjacent to the home’s backyard, and hid her beneath a fallen tree, discarding the shotgun in the woods as well and fleeing the scene.
Jones did not assist in hiding the body or shotgun, and instead left the scene immediately and went to Andalusia Police claiming that he “witnessed a murder,” with Jones later changing his tone during the trial to claim the incident was an accident, but admitting that wasn’t what he told law enforcement.
Following a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour when they found 19-year-old Damien Lashawn Beasley (pictured) guilty of Manslaughter, Abuse of a Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Andalusia Captain Paul Dean testified in court that he found Layla’s body and the shotgun in the woods, the gun being a Stephens 620 12-gauge military shotgun. Dean, a firearms instructor and recognized during the trial as a firearms expert, said he inspected the weapon and found all safety mechanisms and internal parts of the weapon were in working order, despite the gun being old and dirty with a broken stock and ejector. Dean also tested the firearm and confirmed the firearm to be in safe, working order.
Originally, Beasley was tried for the crime of Murder, with the only witnesses for the case being Jones and Awalt. Awalt, like Jones in trial, told jurors that he believed the shooting to be “an accident,” but also admitted to Beasley holding the gun and “waving it around.” Beasley, for his defense, did not testify on his own behalf.
“It was our position that squeezing the trigger constituted Murder,” claimed District Attorney Walt Merrell. “There was no evidence of a misfire. The only logical conclusion to us was that he squeezed the trigger, and, therefore, we proceeded with the prosecution of Murder.”
“Beasley’s lawyer (Riley Powell) tried to convince the jury that Beasley was ‘a 17-year-old who had never held a shotgun in his life’ and that Layla’s death was ‘a tragic accident,” noted Grace Jeter, the primary prosecutor for the State. “The jury heard the evidence and found that it showed he was acting recklessly as opposed to intentionally. We have to respect their decision.”
Layla’s mother, Marcie Watson, commented on the decision and said she remains very appreciative of the community support and the support her family received from the DA’s Office and Andalusia Police.
“From Gene and Brett (Holmes) always being there to listen to me, to Grace fighting hard for Layla, to Amber (Gladwell) and Erin (Wilson) always making sure we were comfortable and not stressed any more than what we already were…everyone fought so hard for Layla and never stopped,” said Watson. “From the first time I sat in Walt’s office, he told me Layla would get justice.
“It might not be in the time I wanted it, but it would happen. I was told from day one by a good friend to keep fighting the good fight. And that’s what I’ve done. I will never get Layla back, but I know she is smiling down on us now.”
Beasley’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 25. Merrell has said the prosecution will ask Judge Lex Short to sentence Beasley “to the maximum sentences for each conviction and to run those sentences consecutively,” which would be 31 years of prison time.
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Copyright 2023 WTVY. All rights reserved.
Other news links:
https://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2022/06/24/murder-suspect-in-court-for-bond-revocation-hearing/
https://gunmemorial.org/2021/04/06/layla-watson
Micah Spencer 'Mike' Coon
Birth: December 20, 1993
Death: November 16, 2020
Obituary
Micah Spencer 'Mike' Coon
Micah Spencer Coon, better known as "MIKE" was born in Andalusia, Alabama on December 20, 1993 to Leslie Coon and Tracy Lawrence.
He was a member of the New Pilgrim Baptist Church Young Adult Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Tremayne Benson.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Markeyta Coon and grandfather, Mr. James Cross (Peggy).
He leaves to forever cherish his precious memories: A wonderful fiancé Kimberly Perdue, two precious daughters, Aniyah Coon and Kaelyn Coon; one precious step daughter Aneissa Perdue; his loving parents Leslie Coon (Patrick) and Tracy Lawrence (Latasker); seven sisters: Amanda Coon (Ezekiel), Shereakia Dorsey, Marqueasia Tyson, Alexis Lawrence, Aaliyah Lawrence, Taraji Lawrence, Xandria Lawrence; one step-sister and step-brother Santashia and Demonte Roberson; Grandparents Carrie Dew (Kevin, Gregory Blue (Carla), Glenda Crenshaw (Clausell); Loving in-laws Tommy Perdue (Benita), sister and brother in-laws Alexis and Jeffery Perdue. His special Mom Ann Edwards; A host of nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. A massive amount of friends and acquaintances.
Andalusia fatal shooting victim identified
Published: Nov. 19, 2020 at 10:01 AM EST
ANDALUSIA, Ala. (WSFA) - Andalusia police have released more information in an ongoing death investigation that they are now calling a murder.
Police responded to a residence on George Street at about 9:30 p.m. Monday. Capt. Jamey Wismer said officers found a man unresponsive after being shot.
Police identified the victim as 26-year-old Micah Spencer Coon. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Covington County Coroner Norman Hobson.
“We are not releasing details at this time, as we have an ongoing murder investigation,” Wismer said. “We would appreciate any help from the community, and from witnesses.”
Wismer said anyone with information may call it in anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP. They may also contact the Andalusia Police Department at 334-222-1155.
“They may present information to us anonymously, as well,” Wismer said.
Source: WSFA 12 News | Copyright 2020 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Source: View WSFA 12 News article
Zacharias Devontae 'Zack' McClendon
Birth: Circa 1994
Death: November 15, 2021
Obituary
Zacharias Devontae 'Zack' McClendon
Zacharias McClendon's passing at the age of 27 has been publicly announced by Unity Funeral Home in Dothan, AL. Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share memories of Zacharias in the Guest Book below.
The most recent obituary and service information is available at the Unity Funeral Home website.
1 killed, 5 shot on U.S. 231
Published 10:03 pm Monday, November 15, 2021
The Troy Police Department continues to investigate an early Sunday morning shooting that left one man dead and five others hospitalized.
According to Troy Police Chief Randall Barr, Zacharias Devonta McClendon, 27, of Clio, died at the scene of the shooting, the Z-Tech convenience store located in the 800 block of U.S. Highway 231 South.
Barr said officers responded to a call of a shooting around 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Barr said when officers arrived on scene, three victims were suffering from gunshot wounds. Barr said officers began to render assistance to the victims until medics from the Troy Fire Department arrived. Barr said McClendon died from his wounds and the two other victims were transported to a Montgomery hospital by Haynes Ambulance Service.
Barr said while on scene, officers learned three other victims had been transported to Troy Regional Medical Center by private vehicle. Barr said their injuries were non-life threatening and two of the three have been released from the hospital. Barr said the Troy Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting. He said, at this time, it appears the people involved in the shooting were not residents of Troy nor students at Troy University.
The Troy Police Department request that anyone with information about this shooting to contact the Troy Police Department at 334-566-0500 or contact the secret witness line at 334-566-5555.
The Troy Police Department is being assisted in this investigation by the Pike County District Attorney’s Office, The Pike County Coroner’s Office, The Alabama Department of Forensic Science, The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Source: View TheMessenger Article
Criminal Details
By Jonathan Grass
Published: Nov. 15, 2021 at 6:00 PM EST|Updated: Nov. 15, 2021 at 10:24 PM EST
TROY, Ala. (WSFA) - Troy police have identified the man killed in a gas station shooting that sent five others to the hospital early Sunday.
Police identified the victim as Zacharias Devonta McClendon, 27, of Clio. He died at the scene.
The shooting happened at the Ztec located at 803 U.S. 231 South. Police say they found McClendon, along with two other shooting victims, when they arrived around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. While they were there, investigators learned that three other victims were already at the hospital.
Police say the other five victims’ injuries were not life-threatening.
No arrests have been made so far.
Police are asking anyone with information to call the Troy Police Department at 334-566-0500 or the secret witness line at 334-566-5555.
Police do not believe those involved are residents of the city or students at Troy University.
Source: View WTVY News 4 Article
Testimonials
Stanley Ray Hopson Jr.
Birth: September 2, 1984
Death: May 25, 2021
Obituary
Stanley Ray Hopson, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. He was born on September 2, 1984.
Graveside Service were held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Austin-Olds Cemetery in Margaret, Alabama 35112.
Arrangements entrusted to Poole's Funeral Chapels, 1501 7th Avenue, North, Birmingham, Alabama.
Criminal Details
AL.com
Updated: May. 26, 2021, 8:38 a.m. | Published: May. 26, 2021, 8:21 a.m.
By Carol Robinson
Man found shot to death in doorway of east Jefferson County apartment
An investigation is underway after a man was shot to death Tuesday night in eastern Jefferson County.
Deputies were dispatched at 9:40 p.m. to the 1000 block of Florentine Circle, which is Country Park apartments, on a report of a person shot.
When they arrived, they found Stanley Ray Hopson, 36, of Birmingham unresponsive in the doorway of his apartment.
Hopson was pronounced dead on the scene.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Joni Money said there was some type of altercation inside the apartment before the shooting happened. Witnesses told authorities they heard gunshots and saw two men leave in a black Dodge Charger with a third person who was driving.
It is the second fatal shooting to happen at the Country Park in less than two months. In April, 31-year-old Andre Lawrence was shot there, and then was driven to another location where authorities were called.
So far this year, there have been 91 homicides in all of Jefferson County, compared to 72 for the same time period last year.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Source: View AL.com Article
Testimonials
Jacqueline "Jackie" Denise Bunnell
Birth: December 18, 1960
Death: October 13, 2020
Obituary
Jacqueline "Jackie" Denise Bunnell Memorial services for Mrs. Jacqueline "Jackie" Denise Bunnell, 52, of Clayton, Alabama will be held Friday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. at Kent Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula. The Rev. Ron Jackson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. prior to services at Kent Funeral Home in Eufaula.
Mrs. Bunnell tragically lost her life at her home in Clayton, Sunday, Oct. 13. Born December 18, 1960 in Eufaula,
Jacqueline "Jackie" Denise Bunnell was the daughter of the late AJ "Jack" Jordan and the late Betty Sewell Jordan. After her biological mother passed away when Jackie was 11 years old, she raised by her father and step-mother, Mary Jordan. Jackie was a lifelong resident of the Barbour County area and a member of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church in Clayton. She was the first female member of the Clayton Lions Club. She enjoyed crocheting and was known as a hard working lady. She loved her grandchildren deeply and always enjoyed spending time with them and her family. Her sweet disposition touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a friend to so many and her passing has left a community heartbroken and mourning the tragic passing of their friend and loved one.
She is preceded in death by her father, AJ "Jack" Jordan; biological mother, Betty Sewell Jordan, husband, Gene Bunnell; and brother, Jerry Jordan.
Survivors include her mother, Mary Jordan of Eufaula; son, Todd Jordan of Clayton; daughter and son-in-law, Hillary and Tony Franks of Dothan; brothers, Ricky Jordan, Bo Jordan, and Alex (Lori) Jordan all of Eufaula; sister, Beth Retherford of Dothan; and grandsons, Damien and Kaegan Franks of Dothan.
Criminal Details
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.
Read article on Eufaula Tribune
Criminal Details
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.”
Read article on Eufaula Tribune
Testimonials