Summer of '65: Murder on the Lake - Part II

The car pulled onto the Lauderdale County road leading to the lake house. Inside were four youths, one a May 1965 graduate of Coffee High School and three current students, all football players and all anticipating a summer party. Instead what awaited the boys was a gang of Colbert County youths led by Bobby Stewart.

With the road blocked, the driver attempted to turn around, but was forced into a ditch. Continuing to drive, he made it back onto the road and out onto Highway 72. Heading back toward Florence, the driver realized he was being pursued by Stewart and some of the track star's friends. Speeds reached 65 miles an hour, but the group of Coffee footballers lost Stewart and his gang after turning onto Huntsville Road.

Instead of reporting the incident to authorities, the youths decided to seek the aid of Richard Leland Romine. The Florence butcher was only 40 years old, and many of his son's friends saw him as one of the gang, one who would know how to handle the situation.

Six months before, Romine's son Richard Jr. had been attacked by Bobby Stewart. Friends said the attack was so vicious that Richard Jr.'s own family couldn't recognize him. For whatever reason, the fight was never reported to police, but Richard Sr. had good reason not to like Stewart or his friends.

The boys immediately drove to the Romine home in North Florence and were soon joined by Richard Jr. who had been at a movie that night. The six decided to return to the lake house and confront Stewart. No one suggested calling authorities, but Richard Romine Sr. was going to be prepared for any eventuality. He picked up a gun...

To be continued...

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Autopsy results indicate the death of Jessica Nicole Davis Broadfoot was indeed a homicide. No surprises there. Pen-N-Sword has new information on the murder, along with some exclusive photographs. We'll post a link when it's available.



Shoalanda

The Shoals: Just One Big Happy?

A Florence-Lauderdale visitors center has been in the works for some time. We're now told that once it's completed it will have a new name to better reflect its service to the entire Shoals. Not too long ago we would have been pleased with that news. Now? Not so much.

For those from across the river who are applauding this move, we have some questions. First, let's look at a positive quote from Rodney Hall:

Thank you Debbie Wilson for thinking outside the lines and over the river... We are the Shoals! 

We have to ask if Mr. Hall spoke to the Colbert County Commission about the oneness of the area? Perhaps he wrote a letter? How many who want to use Florence and Lauderdale's greater tax base to promote the county just to the south stood up to the Colbert Commission when they opposed the new hospital?

Everything in life is give and take, but it seems some of the powers that be in Colbert want only to take...

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Both Pen N Sword and the Quad-Cities Daily have some interesting photos related to the Jessica Bevis Broadfoot murder investigation:

The Many Faces of Danger

Boyfriend in Custody 

While visiting the QCD, be sure to check out their ongoing photographic coverage of the Helen Keller Festival--it's the next best thing to being there!

Shoalanda

My New Boyfriend "Slimy Bastard"

"Slimy Bastard" Jones

Yes, after years of looking, I think I've found the right one. Oh, I know I thought Mad Dog was the one. And then Wikkid--you all know what happened to him. Of course there was Killer and finally Danger--looks like he's going South too. But I really think Slimy Bastard is the perfect man. Hope all my friends wish me well.

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Ladies, and one in particular, we've said this before, but we'll go for it one more time. If he trash talks about you and degrades you, he'll probably hit you. If he hits you, he definitely won't hesitate at some point to shoot you. You have parents, siblings, children, and friends who care for you. Okay, so you luuuuuv him. You're probably the only one, and that's why he thinks he can control you.

There are counselors who can help you get over your addiction to this man and men like him. Please do whatever it takes. Please...

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Sadly, one young lady chose unwisely and paid the ultimate price for it. PNS is covering the story:

Jessica Bevis Broadfoot

Shoalanda