To Parole or Not to Parole?/Amber Marie Wood

We have a corrected report from D.K.:

Tammy Irons did NOT attend  the parole hearing, but she did write a letter each time, and only way we would have known that Tammy Irons & other State Reps had written letters, Johnny Mack Morrow while speaking for 10 minutes, told the Parole Board it was his first time ever there, as he was waving his arms, he proudly told who had written letters on behalf a Convicted person by a Jury & Sentenced by a Judge in Franklin County. Roger Bedford was there that morning of the hearing, but sneaked out the door before the hearing started.   

This same hearing was held less than 2 years before, before these same parole board members; they turned down the Parole for a max of 5 years the first time. When some questioned why, we were warned to let it go, or we (VOCAL) would no longer get support from them.

I feel any one has a right to protest for or against any Parole Hearing, but should not do so under a letterhead as a State Rep. or Senator.

*****

Obviously, this is something D.K. has been very concerned about. The more we think about state legislators using their influence either way, the more we feel this should be banned.

Note: This is an instance of a hearing originally being put off five years, but then rescheduled for only two due to outside influence.

*****

Update on Autumn Marie Wood

Many have expressed concern over this parole hearing. Some have suggested that Autumn has been in trouble, having once being assigned to the Birmingham work release center, then being transferred to the Montgomery facility. Since she's lost no good time, this could have been done due to a medical problem. Note: Not all inmates housed in a work release facility are actually work release; many are actually minimum-out as Amber is.

We don't think members of Brooklyn's family have to worry about Amber making parole, unless there should be some dramatic new influence--either a paid attorney or a state legislator, etc. Her release date is two years after her parole hearing, so neither do we see her having a second hearing in the intervening 24 months.



Shoalanda

Harry Wayne Roberts Charged with Rape

Three weeks ago, Harry Wayne Roberts and his wife were listed as wanted individuals, namely as the masterminds of a local theft ring that targeted heavy equipment across northwest Alabama. Today Roberts, 48, has been charged with First Degree Rape in Colbert County.

Roberts and his wife Stacy Elaine Murray, 34, list their primary residence as in Russellville. Murray had reportedly turned herself in to Franklin County authorities, but Roberts had not. If Franklin County still wants Roberts, he's being held in the Colbert County Jail. Considering the newest charges against him, he may wish to stay there rather than return to his wife 

*****

We've received several comments, both public and private, on yesterday's blog concerning Autumn Marie Wood. Obviously accusations need to be verified before they are published, but one rumor seems to be in full force. Did someone hand Autumn the knife she used to stab Brooklyn Hollins?

The current account of Autumn searching a kitchen drawer for a weapon hardly makes sense. Surely Brooklyn didn't lie on the kitchen floor patiently waiting for the fight to resume. We're sure these facts will be brought out at the trial in September.

*****

Several readers have also asked if the murder trial of Jason Green started today. A Franklin County judge had scheduled the trial, postponed four times, for June 6th; however, we have no new info on the proceedings. Such trials usually begin on Monday, with the first day being reserved for jury selection. There's a good chance the proceedings have again been postponed. We welcome any input.



Shoalanda

A Fair Trial for Autumn Marie Wood?

A reader has asked if Autumn Marie Wood can get a "fair trial" in Lauderdale County. For those who may have missed the news today, Wood was denied her second request to be tried as a juvenile in the stabbing death of Brooklyn Ann Hollins.

Wood's attorney may now ask for a change of venue. We would doubt that such a request would be granted. Tony Logan's was; Christy Scott's was not. Go figure. Wood could also accept a plea bargain. She's not denying she killed Hollins, but at this point she is claiming self defense.

As for a "fair trial," it's our opinion Woods would ultimately come out better going to trial than accepting a plea. The teenager is physically attractive and many on a jury will feel sympathy for the young woman. It may be a sad fact, but Wood will be in court in person to present her side--Brooklyn Hollins will not.

*****

Let's look at another sad fact. It's been reported there were 18 youths at the unchaperoned house party. Probably more attendees were female than male, but we may assume at least nine party-goers were young women. One such youth lived in the home, leaving eight teenage girls who were overnight guests at this unsophisticated soiree. Of the eight (probably more), all had parents/guardians who allowed them to spend the night away from home without speaking to an adult in charge.

Someone on a local forum has commented on the grammar and spelling of youths discussing the crime. We may safely assume if these parents don't care where their daughters spend the night, they certainly don't care about their education or lack thereof.



Shoalanda

Roger Creekmore/Threats at Cherokee High School

When casting a vote, it's always a great feeling to know that even if your candidate doesn't win, the office will be in good hands. We've stated before that will be the case if James Hall should become the next Lauderdale County Probate Judge by defeating our pick William Smith.

Apparently that is also the case in the Colbert County District 5 Commission race. We endorsed Tommy Oswalt on the basis of the man we know him to be. We'll certainly admit that those of us who write for Shoalanda were not that familiar with the kind of man Roger Creekmore is. Readers have taken it upon themselves to inform us of Roger's character and to make us aware of what he has done for the citizens of Colbert County. Here's one recommendation from someone we admire greatly.

I agree with you that Mr Oswalt is a good man, is a successful businessman and has no hidden agenda but the same can also be said about Roger Creekmore.

As a resident of district 5 I believe it would be extremely bad to lose him.In 2007 a company located in Colbert County and began importing Human Waste—from New York City— to be spread on land and used as “fertilizer” in our County. The pathogens present in this waste had the potential for significant health risks to our residents. We were told nothing could legally be done to stop this practice. Roger Creekmore took office, took action, and working with our legislative delegation and the voters of Colbert County passed a constitutional amendment banning this practice. Our public health was protected.

In 2008 our Sheriff’s department was suffering from a lack of adequate patrol cars, Cars dedicated to patrol duty were being run 24 hours a day. Working with the Sheriff other low mileage, state surplus patrol vehicles, at a fraction of the cost of new vehicles. Today the Sheriff’s department has a patrol car assigned to every Deputy and due to the accrued mileage being spread out over more vehicles, overall maintenance costs for the fleet has actually decreased.

In the 10 years prior to 2008, over 25 persons had lost their lives at the “Rock Cut” section of U.S. Hwy 43 north of LIttleville. Roger Creekmore got involved and partnering with the Coroner’s office, Littleville Fire Department and elected officials, directed public attention to the issue. Roger personally went to Gov. Bob Riley and asked for his assistance. Within months this section of the state highway was upgraded, paved and center and outside guardrails were installed. Since completed in 2010—no loss of life in this section of highway.

Roger Creekmore believes in responsibility in government; over the past four years of his service in office, while our national government accumulates trillions in debt and our state government must borrow from its “rainy day’ reserves to meet its obligations, your Colbert County Commission has operated within its means and returned money each year to its general fund reserves. All in the middle of a recession. That’s responsible government taking care to spend your tax dollars wisely.

It would seem in the end, that no matter your choice, District 5 will be in great hands. Don't you wish all offices could boast those kinds of candidates?

*****

Sources say Shoals schools were in lock down this past Friday due to threats involving Cherokee High School. Apparently parents and guardians were not informed of this as it was happening, and many have questions. We have no further knowledge of the situation and appreciate all info from the public.

*****

D.K. has reminded us that the maximum sentence for Manslaughter in the Autumn Wood case could be 20 years, not 15, since a weapon was used. If this should be the final sentence, Wood would be eligible for parole in approximately seven years. Also, we assumed if Wood is convicted of Felony Murder, the judge would sentence her to Life. As D.K. pointed out, while the maximum sentence is Life, the minimum is 20 years. As with the Manslaughter verdict, there is no Correctional Incentive Time for sentences over 15 years, but one could expect a parole hearing in approximately seven years in this case.



Shoalanda

A Child in Danger? Yes! - Part III

Mike Jones

Mark Davis is now desperate to remove his daughter from the custody of his ex-wife. With no immediate help forthcoming from the courts, he has decided to take his case to the court of public opinion. Mark has sent the following letter to all Lauderdale County churches:

LAUDERDALE Judge MIKE T. JONES is knowingly and willfully allowing a 10 year old Innocent Little Girl be subjected

to immoral, illegal and Criminal acts under Alabama law.

My name is Mark D. Davis. I am a 48 year old Christian active parent with shared equal custody of a 10 year old little girl. 

A court petition and verified affidavit was recently filed with Judge MIKE T. JONES. The petition requested a temporary restraining order or emergency hearing to protect the little girl from being exposed to the daily care, custody and control of a lesbian couple, Tina Smith and Tifanie Reaves. Tina and Tifanie are openly engaged to be married. Tifanie openly and regularly use the “F” word, and both are known to listen to despicable rap music using the same language, they are known to drink alcohol and use illegal drugs. In recent court testimony the mother, Tonya Blackstock (Smith), confirmed she allows our little girl to stay daily (and some overnights) with her openly lesbian sister, Tina Smith. Tina Smith in open court testimony admitted she is in a lesbian relationship and living with Tifanie Reaves.

On 10/22/12 JUDGE MIKE T. JONES was provided three Alabama Supreme Court rulings that are clear the law in Alabama indicates: 

A.   “The "detrimental effect" of homosexual conduct is established by the great mass of Alabama law, which prohibits and condemns homosexual conduct…”

B.   “Homosexual behavior is an inherent evil, and an act so heinous that it defies one's ability to describe it. That is enough under the law to allow a court to consider such activity harmful to a child…”

C.   “Homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense (Class A misdemeanor) under the laws of the state…”

D.  “…No matter how much society appears to change, the law on homosexual conduct has remained steadfast from the earliest history of the law (since 1533), and that law is and must be our law today. The common law designates homosexuality as an inherent evil, and if a person openly engages in such a practice, that fact alone would render him or her an unfit parent.” 

On 10/25/12 JUDGE MIKE T. JONES DENIED my court petition for a temporary restraining order or emergency hearing. JUDGE MICHAEL T. JONES is willfully allowing an innocent little girl exposed daily to illegal, immoral and criminal acts under Alabama law.

Contact Judge MIKE T. JONES at (256) 760-5831.

View all documentation provided to Judge MIKE T. JONES at markdavisphoto.com/michaeljones.pdf

We reiterate that there are few real winners in Family Court matters; however, the more we learn of our system in Lauderdale County, as well as the entire state, the more we believe that a complete overhaul is in order. Will that eradicate all problems? No, but it's a step in the right direction.

*****

Sources in Colbert County tell us Tanisha Tetter Welch, first cousin of accused murderer Ronald Weems, is being held without bond until her November 20th court date for sending harassing communications concerning the murder of Amanda Taylor. We will correct that Welch was not arrested at work (she apparently does not have a job), but at a physician's office.

*****

Autumn Wood? We've received a comment concerning Autumn Wood, admitted killer of Brooklyn Hollins. While this comment contained no specific words that are unacceptable to publish, it did contain certain sexual imagery that we do not wish our blog to convey to our readers. We'll have more to say on this next week.



Shoalanda

Jesse Carl Rainey Still Critical

Jesse Carl Rainey

According to news reports, Jesse Carl Rainey remains in critical condition at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. The son of Regina Barfield Pencak, Jesse was one of eight 15 and 16 year-olds who were at an unsupervised house party near Tuscumbia Saturday morning around 3:30. According to WAFF, Jesse was hiding in a closet pretending to be an intruder when he opened the door and another youth shot him. News reports indicate several hand guns as well as long guns were in the home.

Jesse is the third youth this year to be injured at the home of a friend/schoolmate. The other two youths were killed. Autumn Wood and Dakota Holt are awaiting trial for Felony Murder in the deaths of Brooklyn Hollins and Dylan Milam, respectively.

*****

Shoalanda

Killers at 13/14/15: What Do They Deserve?

Victims: Hollins (13), Milam (13), & Davis (88)

Autumn Maire Wood: 

Crime: At 15 she killed Brooklyn Ann Hollins during an unsupervised house party. Pinning Hollins down, she alledgely beat the 13 year-old girl with her fists before reaching for a kitchen knife and stabbing her in the chest. Wood fled the scene, but turned herself in later that night. Autumn Wood is out on bail and living with family members.

Extenuating circumstances: Wood's father's whereabouts are unknown. Her mother has drug and prostitution convictions. Wood was being home schooled and had little supervision or guidance


Dakota Holt:

Crime: At 13 he killed Dylan Milam, also 13, during an overnight stay. Shooting Milam with a rifle he was using for target practice, Holt initially stated the gun fired accidentally and ostensibly showed remorse. He confessed only after being confronted by authorities over contradictory forsenic evidence. Released from juvenile detention, Dakota Holt is now living with family members and awaiting trial.

Extenuating circumstances: Holt lived with his mother and her boyfriend, a convicted drug dealer. Father was marginal figure.


John Doe:

Crime: At 14 he reportedly killed 88 year-old Elbert Farley Davis Jr. Davis died from a fractured skull and neurological injury due to as yet unpublished circumstances. Killer attended Deshler High School. Reports indicate teachers recognized the youth as being at risk and had tried to intervene. The youth is reportedly in juvenile custody.

Extenuating circumstances: Unknown at this time. We don't believe he will prove to be the child of professional parents who were active members of a local church.

*****

If convicted, the three teen-age killers will be incarcerated until they reach the age of 21. What then?

Pen N Sword is following the Davis case and broke the story of the arrest. Related article: 

Arrest in Davis Murder

Shoalanda

Autumn Marie Wood Claims Self-Defense

Brooklyn Ann Hollins

Brooklyn Ann Hollins was two weeks short of her 15th birthday when she was stabbed to death at an unsupervised teen party last March. Now Autumn Marie Wood has claimed self-defense in the death, stating she was attacked by the girl nicknamed "Boogie." According to initial reports, Hollins had stepped into an argument turned physical in order to help defend a friend. Reports from yesterday's initial hearing for Wood state that the 17 year-old defendant had done the same.

We have to ask: Self-defense? How does one claim self-defense if one stops a pummeling long enough to open a kitchen drawer and retrieve a knife? Or is someone now saying a third party handed Wood the knife? Judge Carole Coil Medley has ruled the evidence is sketchy enough to warrant a grand jury hearing. This was a very necessary ruling to prevent any grounds for appeal in the case. The truly sad part is Brooklyn's family having to sit through such testimony.

*****

We've seen the girl who gave the party praised for staying at the side of Brooklyn Ann Hollins while others, including Autumn Wood, fled. It was, after all, her home. Her parents had forbade any guests while they were away, but this young woman persisted in giving a party that reportedly included young males and alcohol. Obviously only her parents can mete out punishment for the young woman, but grounded for life sounds pretty good to us.

*****

There's also new evidence in the alleged murder of 13 year-old Dylan Wayne Milam of Leighton. Look for it on Monday...



Shoalanda

Autumn Wood: Back in Court on June 8th

As summer approaches, a hand full of high profile murder cases will again be in the news. This week should see Autumn Marie Wood back in court. Her first appearance since being denied youthful offender status will be on June 8th.

Since Wood was denied such status and since she has admitted stabbing Hollins, her attorney will probably attempt to negotiate a plea. We don't see Autumn Wood as coming across as very sympathetic to a jury. What type of sentence would the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office be willing to offer? Our guess would be in the 25 year range, but it could be less due to her age. No matter her final sentence, Wood obviously needs help with anger management. We hope she gets it.

*****

As we mentioned in a previous blog, new state sex offender laws will be coming in the next few years. We have to ask, if registered sex offenders can be made to report at various times throughout the year, why can't they be required to undergo long-term therapy? Yes, this would cost the state initially, but it would save money spent on trials and imprisonment for those who relapse, not to mention protecting possible new victims.

This week's featured sex offender in The Connection is:

James Michael Robinett

Shoalanda

Sex Offender Registry & Notification Act (SORNA)

SORNA stands for the Sex Offender Registry Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA uses a three tiered-system; Alabama currently has only one level, not distinguishing between the youth who committed Second Degree (Statutory) Rape and the mature male who raped and sodomized children.

SORNA was created in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act and was designed to be used in all 50 states and territories. So far, Alabama has not implemented the Act, but can expect to lose Federal dollars if it does not by a stated deadline. This deadline has already been extended twice for all states and may be extended again. Eventually, SORNA will replace most of the current registry laws in Alabama...and indeed every state.

Where does a convicted First Degree Rapist fit in SORNA? One convicted of First Degree Rape is automatically entered into the highest tier--Tier III. Specifically for:"engaging in a sexual act with another by force or threat."

So what of the convicted rapist who said " it('s) different in other states (than Alabama) because other states have a three-tiered assessment that classifies offenders?" We're not sure whom this individual was trying to convince, but when SORNA is finally implemented in Alabama, he will be placed in Tier III.

Tomorrow: A look at Tennessee and Florida

*****

If you missed it, it seems Autumn Marie Wood will not be getting youthful offender status:

Youthful Offender Status for Autumn Marie Wood?

 Shoalanda

Youthful Offender for Autumn Maire Wood?

Several readers have asked what legal consequences Autumn Marie Wood faces. Will she be eligible for Youthful Offender status and will she receive it? First, here is the legal definition for "Youthful Offender."

You may be eligible for Youthful Offender Status under Alabama law. If you are under 21 years of age and have been charged with a criminal offense, you may be eligible to apply for Youthful Offender Treatment.

As a Youthful Offender, you waive your right to a jury trial and consent to be tried by the court without a jury. The court will perform an investigation and examination of your record and in its discretion, decide whether or not you will be treated as a Youthful Offender.

 If adjudged by the Court to be a Youthful Offender, the Court, in its sole discretion, may do any of the following:

1. Suspend the imposition or execution of sentence with or without probation; or 
2. Place you on probation not to exceed three (3) years and prescribe terms of said probation.
3. Impose a fine as provided by law.
4. Commit you to the custody of the Department of Corrections for a term of three (3) years or less, or if the crime with which you have been charged does not authorize a fine or sentence, in lieu or in addition to any fine, the court may also impose a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).
5. If the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, you may be given treatment or educational classes as provided by law.

We haven't consulted with our legal eagle friends on this matter, but we have seen others arrested for Felony Murder who have requested such status. Granting of such would depend on Wood's previous record and the opinion of the judge.

We've been told that Wood has had a troubled life, but our informant didn't know of any actual arrests. Assuming she has a clean legal record, the judge assigned to her trial would then make the final decision. Murder cases are usually held in Mike Jones' courtroom, and our guess would be that he would not grant Miss Wood that request.

*****

We've heard from a close friend of Brooklyn Ann Hollins' family. Brooklyn did not live primarily with her grandparents, but her mother and two brothers who reside next door to Brooklyn's grandparents. We're told that the family has no immediate needs, but we want to stress if anyone is organizing a fundraiser or something similar, please inform us so that we may publicize it.

*****

Yesterday we mentioned the recent break-ins in North Florence. The Connection has an excellent article on the events. Be vigilant and stay safe.

North Florence Intruder Timeline

Shoalanda

Slumber Party/Sleep Over/Lock In: They're Still Just Kids

Bailey's Bailiwick on Sleep Overs

17 Year-Old Autumn Marie Wood

Anyone who has watched or read the news since Saturday morning knows about the stabbing death that took place in North Florence this weekend. The TimesDaily is calling the scene of the death a "house party." My guess is it was what's usually called a "slumber party" for a small group of teenage girls. These are sometimes called "Lock Ins" since no one is allowed to come or go during certain hours. From reports, these girls were not only not locked in, they were not supervised.

Most 17 year-old girls don't socialize that much with 14 year-olds. Were they part of a church group? Was the victim a party-goer's younger sister? It probably makes no difference. The younger girl is just as dead.

Why didn't this party have adult supervision? Sure, adults in the house could have been asleep. Maybe they were called away unexpectedly. Again it's all hindsight. It just seems that parents need to exercise a little foresight.

If the federal government says 17 is too young to vote or enlist in the military, it just might be too young to have an unsupervised party. 

*****

News reports in today's TimesDaily state the party that took place on Winona Street in Florence was apparently an all night party orchestrated by the teenage daughter of the home's owners. The girl's parents were not present, nor were any other adults. There were approximately 17 in attendance at the party, including some males. Autumn Marie Wood, 17, will be charged as an adult in the death. She faces Felony Murder charges.

We agree with Bailey. Do you know where your children are? Especially at 3:00 a.m.?



Shoalanda