Qualifying Ends/David Riley--a Real B*****d

Qualifying for municipal elections ended today. Some are running unopposed; others might as well be. Still others will be facing a tough contest, particularly in the mayoral races.

We’ll begin showcasing the candidates tomorrow. There will also be some early endorsements in elections with only two candidates. We invite all those standing for office to send us their platforms.

Shoalanda.Speaks@gmail.com

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In 2005, David Riley, then 20 years old, planned a liquor store robbery. He secured a gun and a henchman, then cold-bloodedly entered a Belle Meade liquor store in the eastern part of Florence, robbed the clerk, then shot him dead…just because he could.

Riley has already bilked the taxpayers of Lauderdale County who have had to foot the bill for two murder trials. Now he’s seeking still a third trial claiming ineffectual counsel. His attorneys were Steve Aldridge and Chris Childers, both competent in a trial setting according to those who have observed them over the years.

Yes, the prosecution contended that Riley deserved the death penalty. There are few instances in which we support the state taking a life; however, we can’t disagree with the state’s contention that David Riley, a royal bastard if any ever walked the streets of the Shoals, deserves to pay for his crimes with his life.

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We’ve heard from two more readers who are concerned with county and state prisoners accessing Facebook and social media. We’re not entirely sure these prisoners are indeed posting on social media, particularly in the one local case that seems to have disturbed some.

The state prisoner? Since he doesn’t accrue correctional incentive time, he probably has no fear of write-ups. He may or may not be posting on a Facebook page. We would advise anyone who thinks it’s helpful or funny or whatever to post in the name of a state prisoner, you’re not making his life any easier should he be reported (and we’ve been told that he has).

Similarly, if the prisoner is posting by hiding a SIM card on his person, your encouragement of this behavior is not well thought out. Your friend/relative may not have CIT to lose, but he can still be placed in solitary confinement. Perhaps more importantly, he can be charged with harboring contraband and receive another ten years added to his sentence in a worst case scenario, particularly after the recent riots at Holman Prison. Is this what you want? Think about it.