Listed most recent to oldest
Tracy Michelle 'Tator' White Wise
Birth: October 17, 1974
Death: March 10, 2009
Obituary
Mrs. Tracy Michelle "Tator" Wise, of Samson, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Samson. She was 34. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in First Baptist Church of Samson with the Revs. Sam Totten, Bill Odom, Richard Thorn, Wendell Ard and John Paul Dean officiating. Burial will follow in the Reese Cemetery with Pittman Funeral Home of Samson directing. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2009, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Samson. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 1100 Ireland Way, Suite 203, Birmingham, AL 35205-7001.
Mrs. Wise was born October 17, 1974, in Geneva County. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama where she received a criminal law degree. Prior to her death, she was serving as the magistrate for the City of Samson. She was preceded in death by her father, James Alfred White; her son, Dean James Wise; her grandparents, Hubert and Virginia White; her grandfather, Gerald Harris; nephew, Caleb Wise; brother-in-law, Ed Armstrong; and a special aunt, Mrs. Vera "Dee" Preachers.
Survivors include her husband, Murray Wise of Samson; her mother, Phyllis White of Samson; one sister, Kay (Earl) Johnson of Samson; her grandmother, Voncile Hunter of Andalusia; sister-in-law, Pattie Wise of Geneva; and Nanets Armstrong of Geneva; brother-in-law, Paul Wise of Samson and Roger (Misty) Wise of Samson; a special niece, Robin "Foxy" Armstrong of Geneva; and many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Pittman Funeral Home in Samson, (334) 898-7141, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Dothan Eagle on 3/13/2009
Burial: Reese Baptist Church Cemetery, Samson, Geneva County, Alabama, USA
Geneva County Massacre - March 10, 2009
The victims were:
- Lisa White McLendon, 52, Michael McLendon's mother
- James Alford White, 55, McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, daughter of James White
- Dean James Wise, 15, son of Tracy Wise
- Virginia E. White, 74, McLendon's grandmother
- Andrea Dawn Myers, 31
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, daughter of Andrea Myers
- James Irvin Starling, 24
- Sonya Lolley Smith, 43
- Bruce Wilson Maloy, 51
FindAGrave.com
Don Atwell - Mar. 12, 2009
View on FindAGrave.com
Alabama Department of Public Safety
MONTGOMERY – State, federal and local investigators responding to the multiple homicides March 10 in south Alabama are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the shooting deaths of 10 victims, the injury of six individuals, and the death of the suspect from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators also are working to determine a motive for the deadly attacks.
The gunman has been identified as Michael Kenneth McLendon, 28, of Coffee County.
We believe the attacks began at McLendon's mother's residence in Coffee County on County Road 474 in Kinston, where McLendon also lived. The body of a woman was discovered at the residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. when local firefighters responded to witness reports of a fire at that location. The Department of Forensic Sciences is working to confirm the identity, but the victim is believed to be Lisa White McLendon, 52, McLendon's mother.
McLendon then traveled to Samson in Geneva County, where he shot and killed five individuals on the front porch of his uncle's residence on West Pullum Street. The victims are identified as:
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, the daughter of Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers
- Andrea D. Myers, 31, mother of the 18-month-old and wife of Deputy Myers
- James Alford White, 55, identified as McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, identified as McLendon's cousin
- Dean James Wise, 15, identified as Ms. Wise's son and McLendon's second cousin
Injured at that residence was 4-month-old Ella K. Myers, the daughter of Deputy Myers. Ella was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. This morning she was listed in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
McLendon then shot and killed Virginia E. White, 74, identified as McLendon's grandmother, who was standing in the doorway of her home on Pullum Street, next door to the residence where the first attack occurred.
McLendon then left Pullum Street, traveling north on Wise Street in a red 2003 Mitsubishi. On Wise Street, McLendon shot and killed a pedestrian, James Irvin Starling, 24. McLendon continued north onto Main Street in Samson, where he shot and injured Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, 50.
McLendon then traveled to the Inland Gas Station on Main Street in Samson, where he shot and killed Sonja Smith, 43. Injured at that location was Greg McCullough, 49. McLendon continued traveling east on Alabama 52, firing rounds into several businesses and vehicles as he drove.
At 4:01 p.m. CDT, an Alabama state trooper notified the Dothan State Trooper Post that he had received a report of a subject shooting at people in Samson, and the trooper proceeded toward Samson on Alabama 52.
McLendon, traveling east on Highway 52 toward Geneva, then shot and killed Bruce Wilson Malloy, 51, who was traveling in a vehicle on 52.
At 4:06 p.m. CDT, the Alabama state trooper encountered McLendon on Alabama 52, and McLendon fired at least seven rounds into the trooper's vehicle. The trooper, Mike Gillis, was injured slightly by broken glass, and continued the pursuit on McLendon into Geneva.
The Geneva Police Department attempted to stop McLendon using a PIT, or pursuit intervention maneuver, in front of the Wal-Mart in Geneva. McLendon fired several rounds into the officer's vehicle, injuring him with glass fragments. Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey attempted to block McLendon's exit from the area, at which time McLendon fired several rounds at the chief. Chief Lindsey was wounded in the shoulder.
McLendon continued on Highway 52, turned onto Maple Avenue in Geneva, and then onto Highway 27 north. He stopped at Reliable Products in Geneva at 4:17 p.m., where he exited his vehicle. McLendon exchanged fire with a Geneva County deputy and a state Conservation officer before entering the Reliable Products building. Within minutes, gunshots were heard, and McLendon was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
McLendon was employed at Kelley Foods of Alabama. We have identified that in 2003, he was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery. He had no known criminal record.
McLendon was armed with two assault rifles, an SKS and a Bushmaster, using high-capacity magazines taped together; a shotgun; and a .38-caliber handgun. At this time we believe that he fired in excess of 200 rounds during the assaults.
In addition to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, agencies participating in the investigation are the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, Geneva Police Department, Samson Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff's Department, Dothan Police Department, Dale County Sheriff's Department, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, New Brockton Police Department, Ozark Police Department, State Fire Marshal, Alabama Beverage Control Board, Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Forensic Sciences, Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Power Company investigators, the FBI, ATF, and Ft. Rucker Police Department.
Other News Links
March 2009 - V.O.C.A.L. Samson Massacre Story
Wikipedia - Geneva County Massacre
Michael McLendon - Murderpedia.com
Dean James Wise
Birth: January 31, 1994
Death: March 10, 2009
Obituary
Mr. Dean James Wise of Samson passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in Samson. He was 15. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in the First Baptist Church of Samson. Burial will follow in the Reese Cemetery with Pittman Funeral Home of Samson directing. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2009 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Samson, Alabama.
Dean was born January 31, 1994 in Coffee County. He was a 9th grade student at Samson High School. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tracy Michelle Wise; grandparents, Alfred White; Bobby and Anita Wise; great-grandparents, Hubert & Virginia White and Mary Lou & James Berry Dean; a cousin, Caleb Wise; and his uncle, Ed Armstrong.
Pittman Funeral Home in Samson, (334) 898-7141, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Dothan Eagle on 3/13/2009
Burial: Reese Baptist Church Cemetery, Samson, Geneva County, Alabama, USA
Geneva County Massacre - March 10, 2009
The victims were:
- Lisa White McLendon, 52, Michael McLendon's mother
- James Alford White, 55, McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, daughter of James White
- Dean James Wise, 15, son of Tracy Wise
- Virginia E. White, 74, McLendon's grandmother
- Andrea Dawn Myers, 31
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, daughter of Andrea Myers
- James Irvin Starling, 24
- Sonya Lolley Smith, 43
- Bruce Wilson Maloy, 51
FindAGrave.com
Don Atwell - Mar. 12, 2009
View on FindAGrave.com
Alabama Department of Public Safety
MONTGOMERY – State, federal and local investigators responding to the multiple homicides March 10 in south Alabama are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the shooting deaths of 10 victims, the injury of six individuals, and the death of the suspect from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators also are working to determine a motive for the deadly attacks.
The gunman has been identified as Michael Kenneth McLendon, 28, of Coffee County.
We believe the attacks began at McLendon's mother's residence in Coffee County on County Road 474 in Kinston, where McLendon also lived. The body of a woman was discovered at the residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. when local firefighters responded to witness reports of a fire at that location. The Department of Forensic Sciences is working to confirm the identity, but the victim is believed to be Lisa White McLendon, 52, McLendon's mother.
McLendon then traveled to Samson in Geneva County, where he shot and killed five individuals on the front porch of his uncle's residence on West Pullum Street. The victims are identified as:
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, the daughter of Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers
- Andrea D. Myers, 31, mother of the 18-month-old and wife of Deputy Myers
- James Alford White, 55, identified as McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, identified as McLendon's cousin
- Dean James Wise, 15, identified as Ms. Wise's son and McLendon's second cousin
Injured at that residence was 4-month-old Ella K. Myers, the daughter of Deputy Myers. Ella was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. This morning she was listed in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
McLendon then shot and killed Virginia E. White, 74, identified as McLendon's grandmother, who was standing in the doorway of her home on Pullum Street, next door to the residence where the first attack occurred.
McLendon then left Pullum Street, traveling north on Wise Street in a red 2003 Mitsubishi. On Wise Street, McLendon shot and killed a pedestrian, James Irvin Starling, 24. McLendon continued north onto Main Street in Samson, where he shot and injured Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, 50.
McLendon then traveled to the Inland Gas Station on Main Street in Samson, where he shot and killed Sonja Smith, 43. Injured at that location was Greg McCullough, 49. McLendon continued traveling east on Alabama 52, firing rounds into several businesses and vehicles as he drove.
At 4:01 p.m. CDT, an Alabama state trooper notified the Dothan State Trooper Post that he had received a report of a subject shooting at people in Samson, and the trooper proceeded toward Samson on Alabama 52.
McLendon, traveling east on Highway 52 toward Geneva, then shot and killed Bruce Wilson Malloy, 51, who was traveling in a vehicle on 52.
At 4:06 p.m. CDT, the Alabama state trooper encountered McLendon on Alabama 52, and McLendon fired at least seven rounds into the trooper's vehicle. The trooper, Mike Gillis, was injured slightly by broken glass, and continued the pursuit on McLendon into Geneva.
The Geneva Police Department attempted to stop McLendon using a PIT, or pursuit intervention maneuver, in front of the Wal-Mart in Geneva. McLendon fired several rounds into the officer's vehicle, injuring him with glass fragments. Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey attempted to block McLendon's exit from the area, at which time McLendon fired several rounds at the chief. Chief Lindsey was wounded in the shoulder.
McLendon continued on Highway 52, turned onto Maple Avenue in Geneva, and then onto Highway 27 north. He stopped at Reliable Products in Geneva at 4:17 p.m., where he exited his vehicle. McLendon exchanged fire with a Geneva County deputy and a state Conservation officer before entering the Reliable Products building. Within minutes, gunshots were heard, and McLendon was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
McLendon was employed at Kelley Foods of Alabama. We have identified that in 2003, he was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery. He had no known criminal record.
McLendon was armed with two assault rifles, an SKS and a Bushmaster, using high-capacity magazines taped together; a shotgun; and a .38-caliber handgun. At this time we believe that he fired in excess of 200 rounds during the assaults.
In addition to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, agencies participating in the investigation are the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, Geneva Police Department, Samson Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff's Department, Dothan Police Department, Dale County Sheriff's Department, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, New Brockton Police Department, Ozark Police Department, State Fire Marshal, Alabama Beverage Control Board, Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Forensic Sciences, Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Power Company investigators, the FBI, ATF, and Ft. Rucker Police Department.
Other News Links
March 2009 - V.O.C.A.L. Samson Massacre Story
Wikipedia - Geneva County Massacre
Michael McLendon - Murderpedia.com
Virginia Ett Wise White
Birth: March 18, 1934
Death: March 10, 2009
Obituary
Mrs. Virginia Ett Wise White of Samson passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Samson. She was 74. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in the First Baptist Church of Samson. Burial will follow in the Piney Grove Baptist Church cemetery with Pittman Funeral Home of Samson directing. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2009 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Samson.
Mrs. White was born March 18, 1934, in Geneva County to the late James Clifton and Bertha Mae Milton Wise. She was a homemaker, the ideal mother, and a Christian all of her life. She was a member of Sellersville Assembly of God Church.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Hubert White; two sons, James Alfred White and Kenneth Hubert White; one daughter, Lisa McLendon; one grandson, Michael McLendon; one brother, Junior Wise.
Pittman Funeral Home in Samson, (334) 898-7141, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Dothan Eagle on 3/13/2009
Burial:Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Samson, Geneva County, Alabama, USA
Geneva County Massacre - March 10, 2009
The victims were:
- Lisa White McLendon, 52, Michael McLendon's mother
- James Alford White, 55, McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, daughter of James White
- Dean James Wise, 15, son of Tracy Wise
- Virginia E. White, 74, McLendon's grandmother
- Andrea Dawn Myers, 31
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, daughter of Andrea Myers
- James Irvin Starling, 24
- Sonya Lolley Smith, 43
- Bruce Wilson Maloy, 51
FindAGrave.com
Don Atwell - Mar. 12, 2009
View on FindAGrave.com
Alabama Department of Public Safety
MONTGOMERY – State, federal and local investigators responding to the multiple homicides March 10 in south Alabama are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the shooting deaths of 10 victims, the injury of six individuals, and the death of the suspect from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators also are working to determine a motive for the deadly attacks.
The gunman has been identified as Michael Kenneth McLendon, 28, of Coffee County.
We believe the attacks began at McLendon's mother's residence in Coffee County on County Road 474 in Kinston, where McLendon also lived. The body of a woman was discovered at the residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. when local firefighters responded to witness reports of a fire at that location. The Department of Forensic Sciences is working to confirm the identity, but the victim is believed to be Lisa White McLendon, 52, McLendon's mother.
McLendon then traveled to Samson in Geneva County, where he shot and killed five individuals on the front porch of his uncle's residence on West Pullum Street. The victims are identified as:
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, the daughter of Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers
- Andrea D. Myers, 31, mother of the 18-month-old and wife of Deputy Myers
- James Alford White, 55, identified as McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, identified as McLendon's cousin
- Dean James Wise, 15, identified as Ms. Wise's son and McLendon's second cousin
Injured at that residence was 4-month-old Ella K. Myers, the daughter of Deputy Myers. Ella was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. This morning she was listed in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
McLendon then shot and killed Virginia E. White, 74, identified as McLendon's grandmother, who was standing in the doorway of her home on Pullum Street, next door to the residence where the first attack occurred.
McLendon then left Pullum Street, traveling north on Wise Street in a red 2003 Mitsubishi. On Wise Street, McLendon shot and killed a pedestrian, James Irvin Starling, 24. McLendon continued north onto Main Street in Samson, where he shot and injured Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, 50.
McLendon then traveled to the Inland Gas Station on Main Street in Samson, where he shot and killed Sonja Smith, 43. Injured at that location was Greg McCullough, 49. McLendon continued traveling east on Alabama 52, firing rounds into several businesses and vehicles as he drove.
At 4:01 p.m. CDT, an Alabama state trooper notified the Dothan State Trooper Post that he had received a report of a subject shooting at people in Samson, and the trooper proceeded toward Samson on Alabama 52.
McLendon, traveling east on Highway 52 toward Geneva, then shot and killed Bruce Wilson Malloy, 51, who was traveling in a vehicle on 52.
At 4:06 p.m. CDT, the Alabama state trooper encountered McLendon on Alabama 52, and McLendon fired at least seven rounds into the trooper's vehicle. The trooper, Mike Gillis, was injured slightly by broken glass, and continued the pursuit on McLendon into Geneva.
The Geneva Police Department attempted to stop McLendon using a PIT, or pursuit intervention maneuver, in front of the Wal-Mart in Geneva. McLendon fired several rounds into the officer's vehicle, injuring him with glass fragments. Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey attempted to block McLendon's exit from the area, at which time McLendon fired several rounds at the chief. Chief Lindsey was wounded in the shoulder.
McLendon continued on Highway 52, turned onto Maple Avenue in Geneva, and then onto Highway 27 north. He stopped at Reliable Products in Geneva at 4:17 p.m., where he exited his vehicle. McLendon exchanged fire with a Geneva County deputy and a state Conservation officer before entering the Reliable Products building. Within minutes, gunshots were heard, and McLendon was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
McLendon was employed at Kelley Foods of Alabama. We have identified that in 2003, he was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery. He had no known criminal record.
McLendon was armed with two assault rifles, an SKS and a Bushmaster, using high-capacity magazines taped together; a shotgun; and a .38-caliber handgun. At this time we believe that he fired in excess of 200 rounds during the assaults.
In addition to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, agencies participating in the investigation are the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, Geneva Police Department, Samson Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff's Department, Dothan Police Department, Dale County Sheriff's Department, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, New Brockton Police Department, Ozark Police Department, State Fire Marshal, Alabama Beverage Control Board, Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Forensic Sciences, Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Power Company investigators, the FBI, ATF, and Ft. Rucker Police Department.
Other News Links
March 2009 - V.O.C.A.L. Samson Massacre Story
Wikipedia - Geneva County Massacre
Michael McLendon - Murderpedia.com
James Alfred White
Birth: July 13, 1953
Death: March 10, 2009
Obituary
Mr. James Alfred White of Samson passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Samson. He was 55. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in the First Baptist Church of Samson with the Revs. Sam Totten, Bill Odom, Richard Thorn, Wendell Ard, and John Paul Dean officiating. Burial will follow in the Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Pittman Funeral Home of Samson directing. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2009, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Samson, Alabama.
Mr. White was born July 13, 1953, in Geneva County to the late Hubert and Virginia Ett Wise White. Prior to his retirement he worked for the City of Samson as the water superintendent. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one daughter, Tracy Michelle "Tator" Wise; one grandson, Dean "Deano" Wise; father-in-law, Gerald Harris; one sister, Lisa McClendon; and one brother, Kenneth Hubert White and a very special aunt, Vera "Dee" Preachers.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis White of Samson; one daughter, Kay (Earl) Johnson of Samson; one son-in-law, Murray Wise of Samson; his grandchildren, Trey "Hey T" and Troy "Reg" Johnson of Samson; sister-in-law, Teresa (Michael) Hudson of Joyce, La.; brother-in-law, Velma Hunter of Andalusia.
Pittman Funeral Home in Samson, (334) 898-7141, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Dothan Eagle on 3/13/2009
Burial:Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Samson, Geneva County, Alabama, USA
Geneva County Massacre - March 10, 2009
The victims were:
- Lisa White McLendon, 52, Michael McLendon's mother
- James Alford White, 55, McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, daughter of James White
- Dean James Wise, 15, son of Tracy Wise
- Virginia E. White, 74, McLendon's grandmother
- Andrea Dawn Myers, 31
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, daughter of Andrea Myers
- James Irvin Starling, 24
- Sonya Lolley Smith, 43
- Bruce Wilson Maloy, 51
FindAGrave.com
Don Atwell - Mar. 12, 2009
View on FindAGrave.com
Alabama Department of Public Safety
MONTGOMERY – State, federal and local investigators responding to the multiple homicides March 10 in south Alabama are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the shooting deaths of 10 victims, the injury of six individuals, and the death of the suspect from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators also are working to determine a motive for the deadly attacks.
The gunman has been identified as Michael Kenneth McLendon, 28, of Coffee County.
We believe the attacks began at McLendon's mother's residence in Coffee County on County Road 474 in Kinston, where McLendon also lived. The body of a woman was discovered at the residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. when local firefighters responded to witness reports of a fire at that location. The Department of Forensic Sciences is working to confirm the identity, but the victim is believed to be Lisa White McLendon, 52, McLendon's mother.
McLendon then traveled to Samson in Geneva County, where he shot and killed five individuals on the front porch of his uncle's residence on West Pullum Street. The victims are identified as:
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, the daughter of Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers
- Andrea D. Myers, 31, mother of the 18-month-old and wife of Deputy Myers
- James Alford White, 55, identified as McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, identified as McLendon's cousin
- Dean James Wise, 15, identified as Ms. Wise's son and McLendon's second cousin
Injured at that residence was 4-month-old Ella K. Myers, the daughter of Deputy Myers. Ella was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. This morning she was listed in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
McLendon then shot and killed Virginia E. White, 74, identified as McLendon's grandmother, who was standing in the doorway of her home on Pullum Street, next door to the residence where the first attack occurred.
McLendon then left Pullum Street, traveling north on Wise Street in a red 2003 Mitsubishi. On Wise Street, McLendon shot and killed a pedestrian, James Irvin Starling, 24. McLendon continued north onto Main Street in Samson, where he shot and injured Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, 50.
McLendon then traveled to the Inland Gas Station on Main Street in Samson, where he shot and killed Sonja Smith, 43. Injured at that location was Greg McCullough, 49. McLendon continued traveling east on Alabama 52, firing rounds into several businesses and vehicles as he drove.
At 4:01 p.m. CDT, an Alabama state trooper notified the Dothan State Trooper Post that he had received a report of a subject shooting at people in Samson, and the trooper proceeded toward Samson on Alabama 52.
McLendon, traveling east on Highway 52 toward Geneva, then shot and killed Bruce Wilson Malloy, 51, who was traveling in a vehicle on 52.
At 4:06 p.m. CDT, the Alabama state trooper encountered McLendon on Alabama 52, and McLendon fired at least seven rounds into the trooper's vehicle. The trooper, Mike Gillis, was injured slightly by broken glass, and continued the pursuit on McLendon into Geneva.
The Geneva Police Department attempted to stop McLendon using a PIT, or pursuit intervention maneuver, in front of the Wal-Mart in Geneva. McLendon fired several rounds into the officer's vehicle, injuring him with glass fragments. Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey attempted to block McLendon's exit from the area, at which time McLendon fired several rounds at the chief. Chief Lindsey was wounded in the shoulder.
McLendon continued on Highway 52, turned onto Maple Avenue in Geneva, and then onto Highway 27 north. He stopped at Reliable Products in Geneva at 4:17 p.m., where he exited his vehicle. McLendon exchanged fire with a Geneva County deputy and a state Conservation officer before entering the Reliable Products building. Within minutes, gunshots were heard, and McLendon was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
McLendon was employed at Kelley Foods of Alabama. We have identified that in 2003, he was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery. He had no known criminal record.
McLendon was armed with two assault rifles, an SKS and a Bushmaster, using high-capacity magazines taped together; a shotgun; and a .38-caliber handgun. At this time we believe that he fired in excess of 200 rounds during the assaults.
In addition to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, agencies participating in the investigation are the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, Geneva Police Department, Samson Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff's Department, Dothan Police Department, Dale County Sheriff's Department, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, New Brockton Police Department, Ozark Police Department, State Fire Marshal, Alabama Beverage Control Board, Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Forensic Sciences, Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Power Company investigators, the FBI, ATF, and Ft. Rucker Police Department.
Other News Links
March 2009 - V.O.C.A.L. Samson Massacre Story
Wikipedia - Geneva County Massacre
Michael McLendon - Murderpedia.com
James Irvin Starling
Birth: March 16, 1984
Death: March 10, 2009
Obituary
No obituary found.
Wife: Elizabeth Helms Starline
Children: Shera and Shelly Starling
Parents: Tommy and Jean Starling
Siblings: Tommy Lavelle Starling
Burial: Columbia Cemetery, Columbia, Houston County, Alabama, USA
Criminal Details
Geneva County Massacre - March 10, 2009
The victims were:
- Lisa White McLendon, 52, Michael McLendon's mother
- James Alford White, 55, McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, daughter of James White
- Dean James Wise, 15, son of Tracy Wise
- Virginia E. White, 74, McLendon's grandmother
- Andrea Dawn Myers, 31
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, daughter of Andrea Myers
- James Irvin Starling, 24
- Sonya Lolley Smith, 43
- Bruce Wilson Maloy, 51
FindAGrave.com
Don Atwell - Mar. 12, 2009
View on FindAGrave.com
Alabama Department of Public Safety
MONTGOMERY – State, federal and local investigators responding to the multiple homicides March 10 in south Alabama are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the shooting deaths of 10 victims, the injury of six individuals, and the death of the suspect from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators also are working to determine a motive for the deadly attacks.
The gunman has been identified as Michael Kenneth McLendon, 28, of Coffee County.
We believe the attacks began at McLendon's mother's residence in Coffee County on County Road 474 in Kinston, where McLendon also lived. The body of a woman was discovered at the residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. when local firefighters responded to witness reports of a fire at that location. The Department of Forensic Sciences is working to confirm the identity, but the victim is believed to be Lisa White McLendon, 52, McLendon's mother.
McLendon then traveled to Samson in Geneva County, where he shot and killed five individuals on the front porch of his uncle's residence on West Pullum Street. The victims are identified as:
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, the daughter of Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers
- Andrea D. Myers, 31, mother of the 18-month-old and wife of Deputy Myers
- James Alford White, 55, identified as McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, identified as McLendon's cousin
- Dean James Wise, 15, identified as Ms. Wise's son and McLendon's second cousin
Injured at that residence was 4-month-old Ella K. Myers, the daughter of Deputy Myers. Ella was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. This morning she was listed in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
McLendon then shot and killed Virginia E. White, 74, identified as McLendon's grandmother, who was standing in the doorway of her home on Pullum Street, next door to the residence where the first attack occurred.
McLendon then left Pullum Street, traveling north on Wise Street in a red 2003 Mitsubishi. On Wise Street, McLendon shot and killed a pedestrian, James Irvin Starling, 24. McLendon continued north onto Main Street in Samson, where he shot and injured Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, 50.
McLendon then traveled to the Inland Gas Station on Main Street in Samson, where he shot and killed Sonja Smith, 43. Injured at that location was Greg McCullough, 49. McLendon continued traveling east on Alabama 52, firing rounds into several businesses and vehicles as he drove.
At 4:01 p.m. CDT, an Alabama state trooper notified the Dothan State Trooper Post that he had received a report of a subject shooting at people in Samson, and the trooper proceeded toward Samson on Alabama 52.
McLendon, traveling east on Highway 52 toward Geneva, then shot and killed Bruce Wilson Malloy, 51, who was traveling in a vehicle on 52.
At 4:06 p.m. CDT, the Alabama state trooper encountered McLendon on Alabama 52, and McLendon fired at least seven rounds into the trooper's vehicle. The trooper, Mike Gillis, was injured slightly by broken glass, and continued the pursuit on McLendon into Geneva.
The Geneva Police Department attempted to stop McLendon using a PIT, or pursuit intervention maneuver, in front of the Wal-Mart in Geneva. McLendon fired several rounds into the officer's vehicle, injuring him with glass fragments. Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey attempted to block McLendon's exit from the area, at which time McLendon fired several rounds at the chief. Chief Lindsey was wounded in the shoulder.
McLendon continued on Highway 52, turned onto Maple Avenue in Geneva, and then onto Highway 27 north. He stopped at Reliable Products in Geneva at 4:17 p.m., where he exited his vehicle. McLendon exchanged fire with a Geneva County deputy and a state Conservation officer before entering the Reliable Products building. Within minutes, gunshots were heard, and McLendon was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
McLendon was employed at Kelley Foods of Alabama. We have identified that in 2003, he was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery. He had no known criminal record.
McLendon was armed with two assault rifles, an SKS and a Bushmaster, using high-capacity magazines taped together; a shotgun; and a .38-caliber handgun. At this time we believe that he fired in excess of 200 rounds during the assaults.
In addition to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, agencies participating in the investigation are the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, Geneva Police Department, Samson Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff's Department, Dothan Police Department, Dale County Sheriff's Department, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, New Brockton Police Department, Ozark Police Department, State Fire Marshal, Alabama Beverage Control Board, Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Forensic Sciences, Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Power Company investigators, the FBI, ATF, and Ft. Rucker Police Department.
Other News Links
March 2009 - V.O.C.A.L. Samson Massacre Story
Wikipedia - Geneva County Massacre
Michael McLendon - Murderpedia.com
Sonya Marie Lolley Smith
Birth: February 7, 1966
Death: March 10, 2009
Obituary
Mrs. Sonya Marie Lolley Smith of Samson, Alabama passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009. She was 43.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in the Shady Grove Assembly of God Church with Rev. Donnie Earles officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva directing. Mrs. Smith will be placed into the church one hour prior to service time. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Geneva, Friday, March 13, from 6 until 8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Shady Grove Cemetery Fund.
Sonya was born February 7, 1966, in Orlando, Florida to the late William Grover and Melba Creech Lolley. Sonya was a very loving and devoted wife, mother and sister. She loved everyone, especially her family and coworkers. She was a very hard working person and always saw to the need of everyone. She attended Shady Grove Assembly of God Church.
In addition to her parents, her grandparents, A.D. and Mildred Creech and John and Lula Lolley preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband Wilfred Wade Smith; one daughter, Chelsea Lee; one son, Wilfred Tyler Smith all of Samson, AL; one step-son, Christopher Wade Smith, Defuniak Springs, FL; one sister, Kathy Lolley; one brother, Freddie Lolley, both of Samson, AL; three nephews, Phillip Doty, Mobile, AL, Charles Doty, Samson, AL and Zach Johnson, Sweet Gum Head, FL; two nieces, Amy Doty, Samson, AL and Brooke Johnson, Chipley, FL; father and mother-in-law, Wilfred and Ruth Smith; sister-in-law, Cindy (Kenny) Jones, all of Sweet Gum Head, FL; several special aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends.
Burial: Shady Grove Cemetery, Samson, Geneva County, Alabama, USA
Criminal Details
Geneva County Massacre
The victims were:
- Lisa White McLendon, 52, Michael McLendon's mother
- James Alford White, 55, McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, daughter of James White
- Dean James Wise, 15, son of Tracy Wise
- Virginia E. White, 74, McLendon's grandmother
- Andrea Dawn Myers, 31
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, daughter of Andrea Myers
- James Irvin Starling, 24
- Sonya Lolley Smith, 43
Bruce Wilson Maloy, 51
FindAGrave.com
Don Atwell - Mar. 12, 2009
View on FindAGrave.com
Alabama Department of Public Safety
MONTGOMERY – State, federal and local investigators responding to the multiple homicides March 10 in south Alabama are piecing together the sequence of events that resulted in the shooting deaths of 10 victims, the injury of six individuals, and the death of the suspect from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators also are working to determine a motive for the deadly attacks.
The gunman has been identified as Michael Kenneth McLendon, 28, of Coffee County.
We believe the attacks began at McLendon's mother's residence in Coffee County on County Road 474 in Kinston, where McLendon also lived. The body of a woman was discovered at the residence at approximately 3:30 p.m. when local firefighters responded to witness reports of a fire at that location. The Department of Forensic Sciences is working to confirm the identity, but the victim is believed to be Lisa White McLendon, 52, McLendon's mother.
McLendon then traveled to Samson in Geneva County, where he shot and killed five individuals on the front porch of his uncle's residence on West Pullum Street. The victims are identified as:
- Corrine Gracy Myers, 18 months, the daughter of Geneva County Deputy Josh Myers
- Andrea D. Myers, 31, mother of the 18-month-old and wife of Deputy Myers
- James Alford White, 55, identified as McLendon's uncle
- Tracy Michelle Wise, 34, identified as McLendon's cousin
- Dean James Wise, 15, identified as Ms. Wise's son and McLendon's second cousin
Injured at that residence was 4-month-old Ella K. Myers, the daughter of Deputy Myers. Ella was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. This morning she was listed in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
McLendon then shot and killed Virginia E. White, 74, identified as McLendon's grandmother, who was standing in the doorway of her home on Pullum Street, next door to the residence where the first attack occurred.
McLendon then left Pullum Street, traveling north on Wise Street in a red 2003 Mitsubishi. On Wise Street, McLendon shot and killed a pedestrian, James Irvin Starling, 24. McLendon continued north onto Main Street in Samson, where he shot and injured Jeffrey Lynn Nelson, 50.
McLendon then traveled to the Inland Gas Station on Main Street in Samson, where he shot and killed Sonja Smith, 43. Injured at that location was Greg McCullough, 49. McLendon continued traveling east on Alabama 52, firing rounds into several businesses and vehicles as he drove.
At 4:01 p.m. CDT, an Alabama state trooper notified the Dothan State Trooper Post that he had received a report of a subject shooting at people in Samson, and the trooper proceeded toward Samson on Alabama 52.
McLendon, traveling east on Highway 52 toward Geneva, then shot and killed Bruce Wilson Malloy, 51, who was traveling in a vehicle on 52.
At 4:06 p.m. CDT, the Alabama state trooper encountered McLendon on Alabama 52, and McLendon fired at least seven rounds into the trooper's vehicle. The trooper, Mike Gillis, was injured slightly by broken glass, and continued the pursuit on McLendon into Geneva.
The Geneva Police Department attempted to stop McLendon using a PIT, or pursuit intervention maneuver, in front of the Wal-Mart in Geneva. McLendon fired several rounds into the officer's vehicle, injuring him with glass fragments. Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey attempted to block McLendon's exit from the area, at which time McLendon fired several rounds at the chief. Chief Lindsey was wounded in the shoulder.
McLendon continued on Highway 52, turned onto Maple Avenue in Geneva, and then onto Highway 27 north. He stopped at Reliable Products in Geneva at 4:17 p.m., where he exited his vehicle. McLendon exchanged fire with a Geneva County deputy and a state Conservation officer before entering the Reliable Products building. Within minutes, gunshots were heard, and McLendon was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
McLendon was employed at Kelley Foods of Alabama. We have identified that in 2003, he was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery. He had no known criminal record.
McLendon was armed with two assault rifles, an SKS and a Bushmaster, using high-capacity magazines taped together; a shotgun; and a .38-caliber handgun. At this time we believe that he fired in excess of 200 rounds during the assaults.
In addition to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, agencies participating in the investigation are the Geneva County Sheriff's Department, Geneva Police Department, Samson Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff's Department, Dothan Police Department, Dale County Sheriff's Department, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, New Brockton Police Department, Ozark Police Department, State Fire Marshal, Alabama Beverage Control Board, Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Forensic Sciences, Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Power Company investigators, the FBI, ATF, and Ft. Rucker Police Department.
Other News Links
March 2009 - V.O.C.A.L. Samson Massacre Story
Wikipedia - Geneva County Massacre
Michael McLendon - Murderpedia.com
Carolyn Hardy Coskrey
Birth: November 1, 1943
Death: February 17, 2009
Obituary
Mrs. Carolyn Hardy Coskrey of Dothan died Tuesday, February 17, 2009. She was 65. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, February 20, 2009 at Memphis Baptist Church with Reverends Ernest O’Neal and Joe Holland officiating. Interment will follow in Memphis Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Ward Wilson Funeral Home. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday, February 19, 2009. Flowers will be accepted.
Carolyn Hardy Coskrey was born November 1, 1943 to Leonard and Lula Hardy of Cottonwood, AL. She attended Cottonwood High School where she graduated in 1961. She was active in the school and various clubs. She was a licensed cosmotoligst. Her many accomplishments including the Grand Prize for the NPF Cooking Contest in 1967. She was a charter member of the Olympia Garden Club. She was a teacher at Memphis Baptist Church and an active leader of many of the youth. Carolyn was very talented in many areas, which included floral arrangements, home decorator and homemaking.
She is preceded in death by her father, Leonard Hardy.
Carolyn is survived by 3 children, Marsha Stokes and her husband, Rickey, Mark Coskrey and his wife, Christy, Yahnna Holland her husband, Joe, all of Dothan; 8 grandchildren, Emily, John Curtis, Spencer Stokes, Mary Kathryn, Jim, and Jana Holland, Jack and Ben Coskrey, two brothers, Jim Hardy and his wife, Peggy of Orange Beach, Eddie Hardy and his wife, Mary of Panama City, Fl; 2 sisters, Eleanor McClendon and her husband, Johnnie of Foley, Al; and Gail Holcomb and her husband, Bob of Mooreville, Indiana; several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Ward Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Highway Dothan, AL 36305
Criminal Details
WTVY.com
February 18, 2009
Authorities say from all appearances 69-year-old John Coskrey shot his wife 65-year-old Carolyn Coskrey and then shot himself. A hand gun and a shotgun were recovered from the scene.
The bodies were found in the bathroom by a family member.
No note was found at the scene, but authorities are pretty certain no foul play was involved.
“Due to our interview with family members and friends we did uncover certain facts that lead us to believe this definitely was a murder suicide,” Sheriff Andy Hughes.
The bodies were transported to Montgomery where autopsies will be performed.
This is the first murder in Houston County outside Dothan city limits this year.
April Elaine Kirby Phillips
Birth: September 1, 1982
Death: October 11, 2008
Obituary
No obituary found.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Park, Midland City, Dale County, Alabama, USA
Criminal Details
San Antonio Express-News
Express-News Staff - Nov. 2, 2008
April Phillips insisted that she led an idyllic life as an Army wife who cared for her 2-year-old son while her husband worked at a San Antonio military hospital.
Her mother, Beth Peters, hoped it was true, but she suspected her daughter - who had a troubled past with drugs in her native Alabama - was putting up the same front Peters had seen before.
On Oct. 11, about two weeks after their last telephone conversation, Phillips, 26, was found beneath an East Side bridge, clad in a T-shirt and shorts and dead from a gunshot wound to the back of her head.
"I should have just gotten on a plane, hog-tied her and forced her to come back home," Peters said, "but she was an adult, and there's only so much you can do with grown children."
The case remains unsolved, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.
Samantha McConnell, a resident who lives near the crime scene on Larry Street, said she awoke to the sound of gunshots about 8 a.m. She looked outside her window and saw Phillips' body facedown on an eroded embankment, amidst refuse and other debris beneath the Walters Street bridge.
"It haunts me every day," McConnell said. "It looked like she was trying to run away."
It initially appeared to authorities that Phillips had been the victim of a carjacking, as her Jeep Cherokee was found abandoned days later at a different location. But as the investigation continued, police said they learned that Phillips' death could have been related to drugs.
Fort Sam Houston, where Phillips and her husband lived, is about a quarter-mile from where her body was found, so police have surmised that Phillips might have wandered into the East Side to purchase drugs.
Phillips may have been craving a heroin fix, relatives said, because her husband was enrolled in a drug rehabilitation facility on Oct. 10, the same day the couple lost custody of their 2-year-old son.
On Oct. 9, while the husband was in rehab, a Child Protective Services worker and military police visited the couple's Fort Sam residence to check on the welfare of their toddler, said Kevin Stewart, the uncle of Phillips' husband.
"They found obvious evidence of drug use, so they told April that Child Protective Services would take the child if she did not get a family member to pick him up," Stewart said.
CPS' San Antonio spokeswoman Mary Walker said she could not comment on the case. The military also declined to comment on the investigation.
On Oct. 10, Stewart's wife and sister arrived in San Antonio to get temporary custody of the child.
"April told us that she and (her husband) had a serious problem, and that she was going to check into a rehab that night," Stewart said.
Military police had even threatened to detain her to ensure she enrolled in rehab, but they decided against it because she was a civilian, Stewart said.
"None of us knew these two were so heavily involved in this stuff," Stewart said. "This is a tragedy because two children (Phillips had a 7-year-old son from a previous relationship) won't have a mother."
Peters flew to San Antonio last week with a friend to encourage anyone with information about the homicide to contact Crime Stoppers at (210) 224-STOP or (800) 233-7867.
"She was a loving mother and an extremely loyal friend," Peters said. "I just want people to know that she was truly a good person who made some mistakes."
While driving to the crime scene Thursday, the sight of a young woman panhandling for change haunted Peters.
"I wanted to tell her, 'Give me your momma's phone number so I can tell her where you are before you end up dead under a bridge,'" Peters said.
Peters never spoke to the woman, but she encourages other parents who have concerns about their adult children to follow their instincts and get help.
"If you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, move on it quickly," she said.
Soon after Phillips' husband enlisted in the Army, the couple relocated to San Antonio in 2007. She told her mother that she had experienced marital troubles soon after the move.
Peters said she offered her Dothan, Ala., home as a refuge for Phillips and her son, but her daughter said she was determined to make her marriage work in San Antonio.
"I kept telling her I would go fly to San Antonio and get her," she said, "but she insisted everything was fine."
WTVY.com
Alli Mechanic - Nov. 1, 2013
It has been years since April Phillips was killed, but her mother still smiles when she thinks of her.
“April was very enthusiastic, charismatic, she always just larger than life she had a huge laugh, raspy voice she was only 5 feet tall but when she entered a room you knew it she caught everyone’s attention I guess you could say,” explained April’s mother, Beth Peters.
This past October marked the five year anniversary of Phillips’ death. She was shot five times in the back of head by Quinton Cox. He was convicted in 2010 and is currently serving a 55 year sentence but April’s mother says there is more to the story.
“Quinton Cox is the shooter, no doubt about that, no doubt about that. but there is more to what she was doing in that area, who was looking for her and the reasons why and we have been finally able to connect that after five years of going through mounds of paper work and getting records from everywhere that we could,” said Peters.
After contacting authorities in San Antonio with her findings, Peters is planning on returning to the city where her daughter was killed to get the justice she believes April deserves.
“I was first told that we were not going to go back there, that we weren’t going to do this. You know they have hundreds of homicides just in the city alone every year and it is a done deal and so we just kept pushing forward and going to different entities to listen to us. We found some people that will listen to us so we will just see what will happen,” said Peters.
Peters says that even after all of their work she knows that they still may not get the justice they are looking for but she remains positive “We are hopeful that we will get a grand jury indictment against at least two people. I wouldn’t want to say who those two people are right now but that is what we are hopeful for,” said Peters. “With that we could get some peace.”
For safety reasons Peters would not say when she was going to San Antonio but she did explain that her ideal outcome would be for those involved in the murder of her daughter to be charged accordingly.
MyDeathSpace.com
Oct. 29, 2008
Beth Peters may have been hundreds of miles away, but she knew something was wrong.
Peters hadn't talked with her 26-year-old daughter, April Phillips, in three weeks.
On Oct. 14, Peters' worst fears were confirmed. The body of her eldest daughter, who was a mother of two, was found underneath a bridge on the city's east side.
"At first, I didn't believe it at all," Peters said in an interview Monday with KSAT 12 News.
Police said that Phillips was shot to death and most likely it was drug-related.
"She was in way over her head," Peters said. "She had convinced me that everything was going well, but she was that type of person that would cover up things going on that were bad in her life."
Peters flew in from Alabama in hopes of finding out more information about her daughter's death. She visited the bridge where her daughter was found. Peters admits it was difficult, but felt it was something she had to do.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Peters said a tip may help solve the case and provide her with closure.
"It might be the one piece of the puzzle we need to put it all together," she said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-7867.
Linda Johnson
Birth: abt 1947
Death: May 10, 2008
Obituary
No obituary found.
Criminal Details
The Enterprise Ledge
Danny Harrison - May 14, 2008
ENTERPRISE — An apparent domestic dispute turned deadly over the weekend, leaving an Enterprise woman dead and her husband in jail charged with shooting her to death.
Linda Johnson, 61, was shot multiple times and died later at a hospital. Her husband, Delma Gene Johnson, 65, has been charged with murder.
Enterprise Police Capt. Mike Lolley said officers responded to an emergency call by Linda Johnson from her home at 507 N. Rawls St. around 9:45 p.m. Saturday.
Lolley said officers were rounding the corner onto the street when they heard a pair of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers reportedly observed Linda and Gene Johnson laying on the ground outside the house. Lolley said a revolver was found near Gene Johnson's hand and he also was wounded in his right foot.
According to a police press release, the Johnsons were both taken to Medical Center Enterprise, and Linda Johnson was later transported to a Montgomery hospital where she died. Gene Johnson was treated and released before being arrested by police and charged with murder, according to a police news release.
Gene Johnson appeared in court late Monday afternoon where Coffee County District Judge Paul Sherling set bond at $100,000. Johnson remained in the Coffee County Jail after the hearing.
Lolley said Linda Johnson was shot several times in the chest, but was conscious when police arrived and told officers on the scene that her husband had shot her.
Lolley added the couple's 3-year-old granddaughter, who was uninjured, also told police her grandfather had shot her grandmother.
A neighbor, who witnessed what she said seemed to be a scuffle in the Johnson's front yard Saturday night, said she heard Linda Johnson say "You're not going to hurt anybody, I'll hurt you."
The neighbor then went inside to put her son to bed and said she heard four gunshots and called police.
She said she could hear the victim calling for help and the child calling for her grandmother.
Lolley said evidence pointed toward a disagreement between the Johnsons, who he said were married in September. He said police are uncertain about the reason for the argument.
"It looked like she had packed her car to leave," Lolley said.
Lolley added Gene Johnson "made some incriminating statements at the scene," and Lolley said alcohol may have been involved in the incident.
Next-door neighbors Mary Ann and Louie Thomas, who have lived in their North Rawls Street home around 30 years, said Gene Johnson has been a quiet neighbor for all of those years.
"You never saw him even out in the yard," Mary Ann Thomas said.
She said they had just gotten to know Linda Johnson in recent months as she worked in the yard and planted flowers.
"She was just a real nice person," Thomas said.
The Thomases said they and the Johnsons had recently complained to police that another neighbor's pit bulldogs had been threatening them. They said when they heard the shots Saturday night, they thought it was Gene Johnson or the police shooting at the dogs.
Lolley said the Johnsons' granddaughter was turned over to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which later placed the child with family members.
Whitney Leigh Lake
Birth: December 28, 1992
Death: January 26, 2008
Obituary
Whitney Leigh Lake of Wicksburg passed away Saturday, January 26, 2008 of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was 15 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Cornerstone Bible Church with the Rev. Bobby Marks and Minister Mark Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Robert Byrd of Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at Christian Home Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Christian Home Church of Christ.
Whitney was born on December 28, 1992 in Spring Hill, FL, and resided in Homosassa, FL prior to moving to Wicksburg in 2006. Whitney attended Lacanto primary and middle school in Lacanto, FL and was a freshman at Wicksburg High School. She loved listening to music and dancing. Whitney attended Cornerstone Bible Church.
Survivors include her parents Terry and Rebecca Lake of Wicksburg; sisters, Mandy Carlson of Citrus County, FL, Jordan Lake of Wicksburg; grandparents, Dennis and Juanita Lake of Spring Hill, FL, Royana Miller of Spring Hill, FL, Millie Shreve of Spring Hill, FL; several aunts and uncles.
Robert Byrd of Sunset Memorial Park, Funeral Home and Crematory, LLC, of Dothan, is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call (334) 983-6604.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Park, Midland City, Dale County, Alabama, USA
Criminal Details
The Dothan Eagle
Matt Elofson - Aug 22, 2008
The parents of a teenage Wicksburg girl said justice prevailed Friday after a jury returned a guilty verdict against the man charged with murder for causing their daughter’s death.
After nearly three hours of deliberation, a jury found Robert Yancey Wills guilty of reckless murder.
Wills, 40, of Newton, faced the murder charge for the death of 15-year-old Whitney Leigh Lake on Saturday, Jan. 26. Wills has been held in the Houston County Jail on a $500,000 bond since his arrest.
“I think justice was served,” said Rebecca Lake, Whitney’s mother. “Everybody was extremely compassionate. It’s almost like it was their daughter too.”
Lake died from injuries she suffered in a single-vehicle crash, which ended a high-speed pursuit by Houston County Sheriff's deputies. The crash happened at a creek bridge on Judge Logue Road, several miles off U.S. 84 in the Wicksburg community. Wills was Lake's legal guardian at the time of her death.
Wills could face 10 to 99 years or life in prison for the class A felony conviction. He will have a sentencing hearing on Sept. 30 in front of Circuit Court Judge Ed Jackson.
“I want to thank everybody in case,” said Terry Lake, Whitney’s father. “Even Deputy (Tracy) Ward. I thought he did his job and he took some grief over it.”
The fatal crash happened after Houston County Sheriff’s Deputy Tracy Ward attempted to question Wills, the driver of what Ward referred to as a suspicious vehicle. Wills sped away instead and crashed a few miles away.
Terry Lake called the jury’s decision the “right” verdict. The jury had three other choices during their deliberations, including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and vehicular homicide.
“We want to thank God because we did a lot of praying,” Terry Lake said. “Nobody wins in this situation. I even feel sorry for their family a little bit.”
The jury’s verdict left several members of the Wills family in tears. Wills’ defense lawyer, Michelle Berthiaume, said the verdict left them saddened.
“We thought the fairer one would’ve been vehicular homicide,” Berthiaume said. “Unfortunately the jury found him guilty of the higher charge.”
Closing arguments
Houston County District Attorney Doug Valeska told the jury he didn’t have to prove Wills intentionally killed Lake, only that he killed her in a reckless manner.
“He had to get away because there was no way he could explain why he was with a 15- year-old who didn’t have a bra on,” Valeska said. “This is a little girl who didn’t have her under pants on who was with a 39-year-old man.”
Pictures of Lake's bloody body were shown on two televisions in the courtroom as Valeska made his closing arguments.
Valeska argued Wills fled from law enforcement because a deputy caught him acting suspiciously in a parked vehicle on a secluded road. He questioned why Wills didn’t stop to change his wet clothes from a hunting trip at a gas station instead of changing on a side street. Valeska argued Wills wasn’t changing his clothes, but getting dressed when the deputy shinned a light into the truck.
“There was no legal justification for the stop, not until he ran the stop sign,” Berthiaume said.
Berthiaume also argued Wills and Lake only wanted to “get comfortable” before they stopped off at a store on their way home.
“He said he caused her death while he was driving, it was an accident,” Berthiaume said. “It’s not like he went out of his way to do something malicious.”
Berthiaume suggested jurors choose from one of the lesser included charges.
She also argued her client was only traveling too fast for the conditions of the road. Previous testimony showed it was raining at the time of the crash.
“He cared about that girl,” Berthiaume said. “He’s dying every single day because of this issue.”
Daniel Wayne McKinnon
Birth: abt 1993
Death: January 8, 2008
Obituary
Daniel McKinnon passed away in Dothan, Alabama. Funeral Home Services for Daniel are being provided by Byrd Funeral Home. The obituary was featured in Dothan Eagle on January 10, 2008, and Dothan Eagle on January 12, 2008.
Criminal Details
The Dothan Eagle
Lance Griffin - Jan 9, 2008
For the second time in less than a week, a needless death will lead to a funeral for a 15-year-old boy from the Wiregrass.
Daniel Wayne “Danny” McKinnon, 15, was killed Tuesday morning in Dothan when a friend pointed a loaded .40 caliber pistol at him and pulled the trigger, thinking the gun was empty.
Instead, a bullet struck McKinnon in the chest. He was rushed by ambulance to Southeast Alabama Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Joshua Noel Jones, 22, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was released on $5,000 bond.
“This was a tragic, tragic death,” Dothan Police Chief John Powell said. “This could have been avoided. You never make the assumption a weapon is empty and you never point a weapon toward anyone.”
The death comes less than a week after 15-year-old Joey Drescher of Tumbleton was killed when his hunting companion fired into the woods near Shorterville at what he believed was a deer. The bullet struck Drescher in the chest. Christopher Michael Newman, 18, was charged with manslaughter in that case.
According to Powell, this is what is believed to have happened prior to the incident that killed McKinnon:
Four friends, Jones, McKinnon, Alicia Agler, 23, and Justin Whiddon, 19, had been riding around town in a Chevrolet Z71 pickup, “playing” with several firearms.
Whiddon and Jones had been pointing the weapons at each other and were “dry-firing” — pulling the trigger on an empty weapon. The four drove to a residence at the corner of Eastwood Drive and Ambrose Court and continued to play with the guns. At some point Whiddon and Agler got out of the truck. Jones picked up the .40 caliber pistol, pointed it towards McKinnon, who was in the rear of the truck, and fired.
Wilma Lanton, who lives directly across from the residence, said she heard what sounded like a “ping.”
“We didn’t think it was a gunshot,” said Lanton, who said she did not come out of her house until police and emergency responders arrived. “It’s just so sad.”
Agler called 911 at 8:54 a.m. Police and emergency responders arrived at 8:58 a.m.
“I don’t think either party was aware there was a round inside the weapon,” Powell said. “I think we need to remember the families on both sides are victims in this situation.”
Police recovered the .40 caliber pistol, two .22 caliber pistols, two .22 caliber rifles, a 7.62 mm rifle and a 7 mm rifle from the truck. The pistol was registered to Jones.
“Guns are not something to play with. They’re deadly,” Powell said.
Arthur Robert 'Bobby' Wilson
Birth: September 17, 1936
Death: December 28, 2007
Obituary
Arthur Robert "Bobby" Wilson, 71, a resident of Spanish Fort, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007.
He was the owner of Wilson Service Center since 1960. He served in the U. S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran.
He was known as the "Unoffical Mayor" of Spanish Fort, a past Fire Chief of the Spanish Fort Fire Department for 26 years, as well as being a Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Providence United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by a brother, J. B. Wilson, and his parents, Bryant and Martha Wilson.
Survivors include his wife, Jo Anne Wilson of Spanish Fort; three daughters, Tracey (Robert) Goens of Daphne, Gina (Thomas) Lee of Daphne and Joelle Wilson of Spanish Fort; two brothers, Earl Wilson of Semmes and Charles Wilson of Spanish Fort; sister, Louise Dahlen of Mobile; grandchildren, Jeffrey Mosley, Jonathan Mosley, Jasmine Lee and Zackary Lee; and one great-grandchild, Lola Jo Anne Mosley.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Jan. 2 at Faith Family Fellowship Church. Visitation will begin at noon with funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at the church. Interment will follow at Wilson Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Daphne.
Published Wednesday, January 2, 2008, Gulf Coast Newspapers, Baldwin County, Alabama
Burial: Wilson Cemetery, Spanish Fort, Baldwin County, Alabama, USA
Press Register
Paul Cloos - Dec. 28, 2007
View blog.AL.com
Arthur "Bobby" Wilson, a well-known Spanish Fort resident who owned and operated Wilson's Service Center since the early 1960s, died today, more than four months after he was brutally attacked at his business.
Wilson, 71, suffered a fractured skull in the early-morning attack Aug. 12 and initially lapsed into a coma. In September, he was moved from the University of South Alabama Medical Center to a local rehabilitation facility. He never returned home.
"It's just a shock right now," Tracey Goens, Wilson's daughter, said this morning.
Wilson's service station has been an Eastern Shore fixture, sitting at the top of the hill on Spanish Fort Boulevard, west of U.S. 98.
No one has been arrested in the Wilson case, although 23-year-old Leslie Eric Buzbee has been described as "person of interest" by local law authorities. He was arrested on unrelated drug charges when investigators served a search warrant at his home in September.
Brent Burnest Cook
Birth: December 23, 1986
Death: December 26, 2007
Obituary
Brent Burnest Cook, 21, of Samson, Ala., died Dec. 26. He was born Dec. 23, 1986, in Geneva County, Ala.
Cook owned his lawn care business and, friends say, he worked hard to see it through. He was employed as a lead supervisor in the warehouse with H.B. Paulk/Hackney Company in Opp. He was a member of New Home Baptist Church.
Survivors include his mother, Lucille R. Pierce of Samson, Ala.; father, Bernest H. Cook of Darlington; two sisters, Karen D. Gautney and Kim Pierce both of Samson, Ala.; two brothers, Stacy Cook of Darlington and Tommy Cook of Ponce de Leon; several nieces and nephews, two special lifelong friends and several extended family members and close friends.
Services were held Dec. 29 in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Donnie Earles officiating.
Burial was in Travelers Rest Cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Geneva, Ala., directing.
Criminal Details
The Dothan Eagle
Matt Elofson - Dec 26, 2007
A Samson man was shot dead three days after his 21st birthday during a dispute over a woman.
Authorities say Matthew Leske, of Kinston, shot and killed 21-year-old Brent Cook during a dispute early Wednesday in the front yard at Tasha Saulter’s home near Samson off County Road 10, according to Max Motley, Geneva County Coroner. Motley said Cook suffered a single fatal gunshot wound.
“He was shot in the left upper chest, and it exited on the opposite side in his back near his shoulder,” Motley said. “It’s a sad, sad world that we live in. We will cowardly shoot our way out of any situation.”
Motley said Cook, of Samson, had dated Saulter for years until a recent break-up when she started a relationship with another man. Gunfire ended an argument between Cook and Saulter.
But Geneva County Sheriff’s Investigator Tony Helms said Saulter’s new boyfriend, the 18-year-old Leske, fired that fatal shot killing Cook.
“They were outside arguing some, and he pushed his way inside the home,” Motley said. “He (Cook) pushed her and shoved her some more, and then she ran next door.”
At some point the argument led them outside the home into the yard. Motley said a rifle was likely used during the shooting which happened around 1 a.m.
Saulter lives at the home with several other relatives, but it’s unclear whether they were at home when the shooting happened, Motley said.
Geneva County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Leske, and charged him murder. He’s held without bond at the Geneva County Jail, Helms said.
“Matt was at the house, and Cook was shot to death,” Helms said. “Brent’s an old boyfriend and Matt’s a new boyfriend. It’s an argument that escalated.”
Allison Fuller Johnson
Birth: August 25, 1967
Death: December 24, 2007
Obituary
No obituary found.
Burial: Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Ozark, Dale County, Alabama, USA
Criminal Details
dvwatch.blogspot.com
Unknown
A Newton man pleaded guilty Monday to stabbing his wife to death in front of their two young children on Christmas Eve.
Darrin Keith Johnson, 42, of U.S. 84 West, pleaded guilty to murder in front of Dale County Circuit Court Judge P. B. McLaughlin, Jr.
Dale County District Attorney Kirke Adams said Johnson used a knife to stab Allison Fuller Johnson multiple times inside the family’s home.
“He had come over to the house, was confronting her about their pending divorce and it got violent,” Adams said.
Adams said Johnson admitted guilt to the murder, which happened on Dec. 24, 2007. Johnson faces 10 to 99 years or life in prison for murder, along with a possible additional 20 years for use of a deadly weapon. Adams said the murder weapon was never found.
“This was a heinous crime, but what made it even worse was that he committed this murder on Christmas Eve in front of their two children,” Adams said in an e-mailed statement. “These domestic situations are very dangerous and can result in serious violence, like this one did. I understand that Johnson is pleading guilty and taking responsibility for his crime, but it doesn’t change the fact that he took a life.”
Dawn Hardy Lewis
Birth: March 13, 1968
Death: December 23, 2007
Obituary
Dawn Hardy Lewis, a resident of the Tumbleton community in Henry County, died early Sunday morning, Dec. 23, 2007, of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, which occurred on Henry County Road 85, near the Tumbleton community.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, in New Zion Free Will Baptist Church with the Revs. Joey Pettis and Tim McCraney officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to New Zion Free Will Baptist Cemetery Fund, in care of Edna Whitehead, 302 Murray St., Headland, AL, 36345.
Mrs. Lewis was a lifelong resident of the Tumbleton community where she was a member of New Zion Free Will Baptist Church. She was a 1986 graduate of Headland High School and attended Wallace Community College where she received degrees in accounting and computers. Mrs. Lewis was the president and owner of Lewis Inc. of Headland.
Surviving relatives include her husband, George Edward Lewis II; two daughters, Anna Lewis and Abby Lewis; a son, Jordan Lewis; her parents, Kyle and Dianne Hardy; two brothers, Kylie Hardy and Jeffrey Hardy; her paternal grandparents, L.J. and Dot Hardy, all of the Tumbleton community; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Vivian Lewis, of Abbeville; a sister-in-law, Daphne Cook, of Loganville, Ga.; a brother-in-law, Jeff Cook, Lake Pontchartrain, La.; nieces, Heather Smith, Ashlan Smith and Jerica Cook; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Dr. Perry Mobley, Tim McCraney, Jerry Hardy, Jeff Cook, James Andrews and Michael Hartzog.
Holman-Headland Mortuary, (334) 693-3371, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Dothan Eagle from December 24 to December 26, 2007
Burial: New Zion Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, Tumbleton, Henry County, Alabama, USA
Criminal Details
The Dothan Eagle
Matt Elofson - Aug 22, 2008
Troopers with the Alabama State Highway Patrol are investigating a single-vehicle accident early this morning in Henry County that took the life of a 39-year-old Headland woman, according to the Henry County Coroner Derek Wright.
Dawn Hardy Lewis, 39, of Tumbleton community, died after a Headland teenager lost control of the pickup truck he was driving. Lewis was one of six people in the truck.
None of the others suffered life-threatening injuries.
One of the passengers, Rhonda Parrish, of Headland, suffered a hip injury and had surgery on Sunday afternoon at Flowers Hospital, Wright said.
He said the other passengers suffered minor injuries, including the 16-year-old driver, Alex Rushing, the teenager’s mother, Patty Rushing, Tammy Thompson and Melanie McCoy.
The accident happened on County Road 85 about four and a half miles northeast of Headland. Lewis was a backseat passenger in a F-250 pickup truck when the accident happened around 1:56 a.m., Wright said.
“It’s pretty bad because she has three children at home, and it’s right here at Christmas time,” Wright said.
blog.AL.com
The Associated Press - Nov. 24, 2009
DOTHAN, Ala. -- A Headland teen has pleaded guilty and asked for forgiveness from the family of a woman he killed during a 2007 crash.
Alex Rushing read a letter of apology in front of nearly a dozen family members of Dawn Lewis at the Houston County Courthouse on Monday.
Lewis, who was 39, died in the crash after the then 16-year-old Rushing lost control of his pickup truck. Six people were in the vehicle during the crash and several were injured.
Rushing, now 18, pleaded guilty Monday to the reduced charge of misdemeanor criminally negligent homicide as part of a plea agreement.
Circuit Court Judge Ed Jackson sentenced him to a year in the Henry County Jail, which was suspended for two years of probation.
He will pay $15,450 in funeral expenses and do 50 hours of community service.
Jerome Reeves
Birth: Unknown
Death: September 22, 2007
Obituary
No obituary found.
Criminal Details
No criminal details found.