Tenth Anniversary of Amanda Taylor's Murder; Five Years Until Weems is Free?

 

It was ten years ago today that Amanda Taylor walked into the Muscle Shoals home of Ronald Eugene Weems, never to exit the Moss Avenue house alive. The man who called himself Ron Wikkid was arrested two months later and eventually sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Ronald Weems in 2021

Now 43, in two more years Weems will officially be what sociologists call middle-aged. Three years after that, he will have his first parole hearing. It's doubtful that anyone besides Ron's mother and his four children will support his bid for freedom; however, we have no idea how big a fan base the Wikked One has amassed while incarcerated at the Limestone Correctional Facility.

If any of our readers wish to protest Weems' request for parole, they may address letters to:

Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles

100 Capitol Commerce Boulevard

Montgomery, AL 36117

Re: Ronald Eugene Weems, AIS# 289449

All communications will be read, kept on file, and then reread before his December 2026 hearing. Unfortunately for Amanda Taylor's family, these hearings are apt to repeat every five years until Weems is either released or draws his last breath. 

Want to read more about Ronald Weems, his three accomplices, and the most gruesome Shoals crime of the 21st Century? Available on Amazon and Smashwords:

Ronald Weems at Limestone Correctional Facility

Ron Wikkid Weems has been processed and placed at the Limestone prison facility near Capshaw, Alabama. He will have an appeal hearing on August 5th.

The Weems case never ceases to amaze us. Colbert County District Attorney Bryce Graham stated he could find no grounds to charge Weems with Capital Murder, even though a case could surely have been made for attempted rape based on testimony from others who viewed the body.

Ashley Greenhill had several prior convictions, one of them for a violent crime against her own child, but wasn't tried as a habitual offender. Matt Fox and Laurel Pruett faced only two charges each. If they had been charged with and convicted of three separate felonies they would have then been in danger of a life sentence should they ever commit another felony. Wasn't there evidence for at least a theft charge in Pruett's case? 

Now we're confronted with an appeal hearing from Weems and his attorneys. Yes, Ronald Weems will be returned to the Shoals and again have the opportunity for better food and family visits. Let's hope it's his last visit. Amanda's family deserves more justice than what has so far been meted out.

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Neighbors of Laquania Weems state she has relinquished custody of Ron and Laurel's daughter to a nephew. The child's situation seems to be going from bad to worse. We know several have contacted DHR over the past year or so concerning this child, but nothing has been done. At this point, it seems as if everyone is waiting for the next clown shoe to drop.

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A reader has asked us why Shoals Ambulances don't yet have license plates on their vehicles. We were unaware of that--perhaps special tags were ordered? If any readers can enlighten us, shoot us an e-mail.



Shoalanda

Clint Anderson Dies of Drug Overdose

Clint Matthew Anderson, 26, whose main claim to fame was being one of Ashley Greenhill's cast offs, has passed away from a drug overdose according to sources close to the family. Anderson and Greenhill were infamously convicted of child torture in the biting and scratching attack on Greenhill's child in 2008 (pictured top left). Anderson then lost his probation in a theft case after his arrest. His most recent scrape with the law was just last March when he was arrested for Criminal Mischief (pictured right).

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Judging from various news reports, it appears Clint wasn't raised to waste his life, but he did so anyway. Prison stretches and drug rehab didn't deter his fall. How sad that no one, no matter how much they loved him, could stop him. Is the answer more money? More supervision? More tough love? We welcome opinions.

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Ashley remains in the Colbert County Jail awaiting transfer to the state prison system for her role in the death of Amanda Taylor. After Ashley and her three cohorts are processed, we'll  publish details on how to contact the parole board to protest any early release for Greenhill and Ron Wikkid Weems.



Shoalanda

Ron Wikkid Weems: A Good Father?!

Ron Wikkid Weems & Laurel ChubbyLette Pruett

Laura Wise, aunt of Ron Wikkid Weems, aka the Wikkid One, called her nephew a good father. Really? He has at least five children by three different women, only one of whom he was married to. He didn't work, but preferred to have the Salvation Army provide for his children. He's now out of the picture, leaving his youngest child with his mother, a woman who allowed the child to be sexually abused. Yep, he's a great father.

As for Weems' mother Laquania, she's still maintaining her son's innocence...when she's not trying to cast spells for protection. Laquania seems to be a few nuggets short of a Happy Meal.

Colbert County District Attorney Bryce Graham has stated there was no basis for a Capital Murder charge against Weems. Really? Since witnesses testified that his victim Amanda Taylor was naked from the waist down, it would hardly have been a stretch for Graham to have also had Weems indicted for attempted rape. That's all it would have taken to make the charge a capital offense. We doubt the jury would have questioned the charge.

Now Weems will be up for parole at some point. He won't make it any time soon. Let's hope he never does.

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Due to an accident involving the court reporter in Franklin County, the sentencing for Hershel Dale Graham, admitted killer of David Martin Andrasik, has been postponed. We'll publish the new date as soon as it's announced.



Shoalanda

Please Help Save Pandora

The mature woman walked around her house, uttering quiet phrases, and seemingly pleased with herself. Why? According to neighbors, Laquania Welch Weems, mother of Ron the Wikkid One, was casting a spell to protect her granddaughter Pandora.

Perhaps a little more vigilance and a lot less voodoo hoodoo is needed in this situation. Mrs. Weems, who has already raised a layabout philandering murderer, is now attempting to raise his daughter while the child's parents are in prison. So far, it's not going very well, if Muscle Shoals Police reports and various friends are to be believed.

Pandora has already been sexually molested by a "friend" of Laquania. Yes, we know his name, but we have been unable to determine what, if any, charges this man faces. Yes, we're using Pandora's name since it's common knowledge in the area. We're hoping DHR will take the child and place her in a new family where she'll receive a new name. So far they haven't.

This from a regular reader: I have called DHR three times about Pandora. Is there anyone (in) the Shoals area that has connections with DHR that can persuade them to remove this child? She has already been molested in her Grandmother's care.

We also have contacted DHR via e-mail. So far the child remains at Weems' Muscle Shoals home. If any readers have any contacts with Colbert County DHR, please use them to see that this child is placed in a safe environment, preferably a permanent and stable home with parents who genuinely care about her and not some check she provides.

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We've had some requests to comment on this blog, but were waiting to see where it was going. Apparently it's died down and isn't going anywhere any more. So far it's been pretty nice to almost everyone it's discussed (several of whom we've never heard of), so we'll comment.

"It's amusing." Yes, that's our comment.



Shoalanda

Gullible?/The Burmese Are Here!

Mike Goens of the TimesDaily, aka TotallyDecatur, had a very interesting column earlier this week on gullibility. We agree 100%. Excellent example of this is their recent article on the divining of graves, with absolutely no mention of what makes this phenomenon "work." Think back to Halloween of 2011, when the TD ran an article on the Weeden Home wherein good ol' Capt. Magic stated a person named Silverman owned the home in the early 1900s. The TD just might want to publish a little rebuttal or other viewpoints on some of these "harmless" filler articles.

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While we're on the subject of incorrect information today, do we ever publish something that's incorrect? We're sure we do and strive to correct it. The most negative feedback we ever received was concerning our blog on Ron Wikkid Weems proposing from jail.

While Ron's intended said a resounding no, that didn't stop Ron from announcing to his jailers that he would soon wed. We believe it takes two to make an actual engagement, but we predict the Wikkid one will soon be romancing from a maximum security cell. There are many online sites that cater to prisoners who wish to proclaim their innocence and find mates at the same time. They also find gullible (there's that word again) women who put money on their books.

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At least one reader was curious as to the nationality of Johnson Myit, under arrest in Franklin County for soliciting an 11 year-old girl for prostitution. Myit is from Burma, sometimes called Myanmar, or at least that is the origin of his name.

Pilgrim's Pride has a diverse staff, no?




Shoalanda

But I Did Not Shoot the Deputy...

Speaking of songs, we've Heard It Through the Grapevine that a Lauderdale County deputy was shot Friday...during qualifications...with an assault weapon. How does something like that happen? We have no idea, especially since the report stated he shot himself...in the finger. How does something like that happen? We are very sorry for any discomfort this deputy has endured, but we have to say it was hard not to laugh...just a little.

The election can't come soon enough...

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So what did happen to Laurel Pruett's money? We don't know what happened to the proceeds of the first check, but according to a source close to Pruett, she used the second check to purchase Ron Wikked Weems a new computer and blew much more on several meals at fancy restaurants and a shopping spree with their daughter. What would last most of us three years, lasted Ron and Laurel just three weeks.

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Ron Wikkid's cousin, noted for making threats before his trial for murder, has been arrested in Lauderdale County on more harassment charges as well as Second Degree Theft. Sources at the Florence-Lauderdale Detention Center state she remains in custody in lieu of bond. At this rate, Tanisha Tetter Welch will be with Laurel and Ashley soon enough. 

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Shoalanda

Where is Laurel Pruett's Money?

We've seen the question asked on Facebook, and now we ask it also. In October 2011, Laurel Pruett received almost 11K in back child support in the form of a check mailed from Montgomery. When it arrived at her previous address, a home she had shared with Ron Wikkid Weems and his mother Laquania Weems, Ron appropriated the check with the assistance of his future victim Amanda Taylor. It's been reported that Amanda probably took no more than 2K in order to pay some fines, allowing her to be free to move to Arkansas with her children.

What happened to the remaining 8K? Weems had no mortgage or student loans. He may have had an auto loan on what he called his wikkedmobile (don't you know his mother was proud of him). How easy would it have been for Ron to have spent the 8K in the two months before his arrest?

Drugs aren't cheap, neither are tats or props that go with a life of cosplay. It's certainly possible Weems spent the entire amount. It's also possible the remainder of the money remains in his family--with the one Moss Avenue resident who wasn't charged.

It seems Pruett was also sent a replacement check once the original was reported stolen. So perhaps we're looking at close to 20K that may be in the hands of one for whom it was never intended--a very good motive to assist in helping with a cover-up. Yet an innocent child still lives with this person. DHR has so far not acted on allegations of abuse. Perhaps because she has no money to filter through the court systems? How sad for the child.



Shoalanda

He Gets Rid of Bodies?

From the TimesDaily: (Ashley) Greenhill testified she called (Matthew) Fox, who had a reputation for being a “bad guy” and a “cleaner,” a slang term for someone who can dispose of a body.

While we would doubt Greenhill's word if she testified on the proverbial stack of Bibles, we have to say a few words about the above quote. Just how does one acquire a reputation for getting rid of bodies? Wouldn't actual bodies have to come into play?

The four defendants in the Amanda Taylor murder case may not all be sociopaths, as we believe Ron Wikkid Weems to be, but they all seemed to have been living in some delusional world of insane clowns, dragons, walking dead, and God only knows what else. The real world revolves around work. This seems to be something that eluded these four. After all, isn't it more fun to sleep all day and pretend you're James Bond by night?

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Is the Alabama Music Hall of Fame leaving the Shoals? (Please be kind enough to stifle that yawn.) After looking at photos of the last board meeting, we have an idea no one left at the not so venerable institution is taking anything too seriously there.

Ever been to a real board meeting? You know, one for a company that actually makes millions of dollars each year. Go a head and say, "It really doesn't matter these days, Shoalanda." It doesn't change the fact that board members of successful companies dress for success. Anyone see a Brooks Brothers suit anywhere within ten miles of that meeting? Or a clothes iron?

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Don't forget the Hot Wheelz Hotties poker run tomorrow. Max Russell and friends will be there starting at 11:00 a.m. at Stagger Lee's on Hwy. 20. The benefit will help raise money for cancer patient Steve Wildman Willis. Thanks to Lisa Steele Murr and Vickie Powers for organizing this run. Also thanks for the help of De Frevold, Judy Logan, and Liz & Angie of Stagger Lee's.

Our personal thanks to Lisa and Vickie for all the efforts they put forth in the community. We're proud to count you as friends!



Shoalanda

Weems & Moyers: Our Legal System is Flawed

We've been reading several comments on the Ron Wikkid Weems murder case, and it appears many think Weems could face the death penalty. Sorry, folks, Weems is charged with Felony Murder, not Capital Murder. Why?

We should all ask that. Surely the Colbert County District Attorney could have added attempted rape to the list of charges Weems faces. According to Weems' mother, he and Amanda Taylor had at one time been lovers, yet at this point it's not just a rape case, but a murder. The charge would have insured Weems was tried for Capital Murder and faced either death by lethal injection or life in prison. As it stands now, Weems will be eligible for parole and probably make it at some point.

In Limestone County we have a man who lived alone and was afraid of the thieves and vandals who had been frequenting his lonely stretch of road. When Joel Moyers saw suspicious activity, he attempted to stop the vehicle in which Brandon Hydrick was a passenger. As the driver sped off, Moyers fired one shot.

Here the story becomes much more nebulous. Moyers states he tried to fire over the vehicle, using a rifle that weighs at least nine pounds and probably as much as twelve. The Limestone County District Attorney says Moyers deliberately fired into the truck. Now Joel Moyers is charged with killing a man he'd never met...not out of anger or for money or any other personal reason. Why?

Yes, why is Ronald Weems not charged with Capital Murder and Joel Moyers is? Our hodge podge of Capital Murder crimes needs to be revamped, but it won't happen until the public demands it.

Related post: Alabama Capital Crimes

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There will be an appeal of the David Riley murder verdict on April 23rd. Riley was convicted of shooting liquor store clerk Scott Kirtley during a robbery. We understand it's just a formality. Like Ronald Weems, Riley is best kept off the streets. Unlike Weems, he's awaiting death by lethal injection.

While on the subject of revamping laws, why may the defense bring up any past indiscretion of the victim, but the prosecution may not enter most past arrests of the defendant into testimony? Shouldn't we bar such testimony on both sides?



Shoalanda

Perjury...and Who Knew She Could Do Demure?

Ashley Fawn Greenhill testified today in the Felony Murder trial of Ron Wikkid Weems. A WAAY 31 news report described her as looking demure...

Making a Cocktail Waitress in a Dolly Parton Wig Look Good

Yep, we suppose she went for the demure look since she couldn't come up with a walker in jail. According to sources familiar with the case, Greenhill immediately committed perjury concerning her part in the events and especially in relating her actions in the days that followed. Why? She already has a deal.

However, the judge has not yet sentenced Greenhill. She remains on probation for other crimes, lovely baby-biter that she is. When legal pundits say only the Charles Mansons of the world get consecutive sentences, they have Ashley Greenhill in mind.

Yes, Ashley, the "demure" stripper with an axe, related she left the Weems home the day after Amanda Taylor's murder. In fact, Ashley remained with Ron until she could find a new wallet with a pe..., er, boyfriend. She even attended the Renaissance Faire with him two weeks after the murder.

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The defense: The truth may never be known concerning the events in the basement of Laquania Weems' Moss Street home, but there are some things we could rule out. Ever pick up a concrete block, or even half of one? Then imagine picking it up over your head and throwing it; imagine a petite woman throwing this object. We have an idea Ron Wikkid's defense isn't really trying. In the immortal words of Mark Slackmeyer: Guilty, guilty, guilty!

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Yesterday we mentioned the 10K check Ron and Amanda had stolen from Laurel Pruett. According to sources close to the family, the check made out to Laurel Pruett was not some state support for Pandora Pruett, but was intended to go to Laurel's middle child Nikki.

Laurel's ex-husband Ross Pruett had been granted a disability, and the 10K was court-ordered support, even though Ross' family was the primary caregiver for the disabled girl. That makes it better, doesn't it? Ron didn't come up with a scheme to steal from his own child, but from the handicapped child of one of his lovers.

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* Jury selection is still continuing in the Charles Moore murder trial in Moulton. The venire has now been reduced to 44.
* We'll have our report on Tuscumbia Middle School next week.
* We'll also be bringing you the "Angela Gieske Comedy Hour." Ba da Boom!

Shoalanda

Trials & Revelations

 Ron Wikkid & ChubbyLette

For some time we have heard a stolen check precipitated the argument between Ronald Weems and his victim Amanda Taylor. We had been told the amount and that it was intended as some sort of support for Pandora Pruett, daughter of Laurel Pruett and Weems.

Since the amount of the check was always said to be over 10K, we found it hard to believe, but our sources seem to have been correct. We still do not know which state agency initiated this check or for what purpose. What we do now know is that Ron Wikkid Weems stole from his own child. The theft was not even a spur of the moment type crime but one that was carefully planned and executed.

We also know Weems was attempting to wrest custody from Pruett, as evidenced by e-mails between him and a legal group. Somehow Ron Weems' idea of love for a child isn't ours.

Will his defense play? Not to anyone with an IQ over 12. So much for Ron's new persona after his baptism.

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D. K. is attending the Charles Moore Capital Murder trial in Moulton where jury selection continued today. We'll be having reports from him throughout the trial.

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According to Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly, the Brewer family was not shot before their deaths in a house fire last month. We have not been able to contact our source in the sheriff's department, but are happy to make this correction. We sincerely hope the deputy is correct in his belief that arrests are on the horizon.



Shoalanda

April Should Be Designated Murder Month

We can't recall a time when more murder cases have been on the docket than this April. In Franklin County, the Felony Murder trial of Hershel Dale Graham continues with closing arguments scheduled on Monday. As with the case of Joel Moyers in Limestone County, public opinion is hotly divided on Graham's innocence or guilt.

No one can predict what a jury will do, but according to those present at the Graham trial, District Attorney Joey Rushing has presented an excellent case against the rotund retired wrestler who claims to have felt so threatened by an unarmed man.

The Capital Murder trial of Charles Moore will get under way in Lawrence County on Monday. Moore is accused of murdering Bailey and Betty Nichols to whom he owned money.

What may be considered the Shoals trial of the 21st century in Colbert County will also get under way next week. Ronald Weems faces a Felony Murder charge in the death and dismemberment of his former sister-in-law Amanda Taylor. Jury selection will begin on Monday April 8th.

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A few have maintained the right to kill an unarmed person who is impaired and behaving in what could be considered a threatening manner. While we don't believe David Andrasik behaved in a threatening manner, at least according to reliable witnesses not a part of the Graham clan, it's an interesting point.

If that should become a legal precedent, expect to see many more shootings at auto accidents. Just a thought...



Shoalanda

Dolphin Pooh & the Axeman

We've gotten an extremely interesting and witty comment from "Pat," asking tongue-in-cheek at what dating site Dolphin Pooh, aka Patricia Edmon Ayers, met her online lovers. We can just imagine how DP's ad would have read:

My name's Dolphin Pooh and I'm 32 (that's my wrist measurement, btw). I'm married to a wonderful man who slays dragons in his spare time. He might be willing to move up to turtles if that's what you're in to. We're looking for someone to make up a threesome, but if you'd rather have another female, my seven year-old daughter is available. She doesn't talk due to development issues, so you don't have to worry about her ratting us out. Choking is fine also, but I do draw the line at death and dismemberment. However, if it gets that far with you and someone else, I'll be happy to visit you in jail.

Yes, folks, Patricia's fourth online (and up close and personal) lover was the Axeman (name edited), also known as Ron Wikkid Weems. Among the approximately 20 photos Patricia sent her four guys, four contained nudity not appropriate for this blog. We were able to censor one, but the other three were a lost cause (use your imagination). Yes, all were taken outside by an unknown photographer. We going to assume if Patricia had close neighbors before the pin-up shoot, they quickly found new digs.

It seems that, at least at one time, Patricia was one of three on Weems' visitor list at the Colbert County Jail. Now that she's incarcerated herself, we doubt she'll be getting across the river that much. Was she still on his visitor's list at the time of her arrest? That we don't know. If she was, perhaps Ron was trying to turn her life around, he being recently baptized and all. It certainly wouldn't be because she was putting money on his books, now would it?

Look at it this way, it could have been a lot worse. She could have already been drawing her disability (read: our tax dollars at work) and using it to support Ron Wikkid in jail. Ain't love grand?



Shoalanda

Capital Punishment Laws Not Administered Fairly?

Yesterday we looked at the 18 crimes that qualify for capital punishment in Alabama and how they are hardly fair in themselves. Still such laws are necessary and will never be perfect. How about how they're administered?

Commit murder while in the process of raping your stepdaughter? Shaun Shapley got 25 years, agreed to it, and is now still contesting his plea bargain. Fair? Hardly.

Shoot into your estranged wife's vehicle as she's fleeing after a heated argument? Tony Woods wasn't convicted for Capital Murder but for only Felony Murder. Where's the logic?

Strangle your ex-sister-in-law during an argument, pull both pairs of pants down (we translate this as a rape attempt), and dismember her body? Ronald Weems was indicted for only Felony Murder--there just aren't words for this.

Now a man who may or may not have mental problems, one who's been the victim of several crimes, shoots into what he deems a suspicious car he's attempting to stop at 3:00 in the morning, accidentally kills an occupant, and he's indicted for Capital Murder. We're guessing it won't play in court, and we'll have some new information on this tomorrow.

So, to the point, what can we do to correct the problems with Alabama's capital murder laws? Short of completely starting over, it's not going to be easy...

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Jerry Don Crowden? What can you say about this 40 year-old man who's been in trouble since before he was 10 years old? When he was about 10 his father was killed in a horrible car crash. I don't know anything else about Jerry Don's dad, but at least one Facebook commenter has posted he wasn't such a law abiding citizen himself.

When I first saw Jerry Don's name in the paper, the Law and Order section, many years ago, I hoped someone would get him some help. Over the years he's threatened to burn down his mother's house and to tie his truck to a teacher's house and pull it down, committed statutory rape (he was 30; she was 14), and been involved in as much crime as John Dillinger ever was. And he's just been arrested again.

I'm not sure there's any hope for Jerry Don now. I'm also not sure if he's been convicted of any violent crimes, so the best/worst he can get is a life sentence with the possibility of parole. It's what he deserves, but I still have to ask if anyone ever really tried to help him.

*****

Congratulations to Valdosta State in their Division II championship victory today!



Shoalanda

A Child in Danger? Yes! - Part II

Mark Davis has now spent years trying to regain 50% custody of his daughter, custody the Tennessee courts gave him. Not only is Mark confronted with a huge uphill battle, he is now concerned about the moral character of two of his daughter's caregivers--his ex-sister-in-law and her fiancee'.

We use the term fiancee' since the couple present themselves as engaged, even though Alabama does not recognize same sex marriage. Also, Mark's sister-in-law continues to advertise for new relationships on Pink Cupid, a popular Lesbian hook-up site on which she has two profiles. We understand that many same-sex couples have lived monogamous lives for years, but this particular couple would not seem to be one of them.

 

Mark is also concerned about the presence of alcohol and other drugs in the home of these two women. If their Facebook page is so open concerning their use of such drugs, how much more is present in their private life? What does Mark's daughter see every day?

Desperate for a chance to present this evidence in court, Mark filed for an emergency hearing. As we've recently heard from others, the word "emergency" in Lauderdale Circuit Court apparently doesn't mean what it does to the average citizen. Faced with the inaction of local courts, Mark decided to take a bold step.

To be continued tomorrow...

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Several readers have commented concerning the daughter of Ronald Weems and Laurel Pruett. She was also at the recent baptism of Weems, an event that reportedly occurred at a Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals. Relatives and friends say that Laquania Welch Weems continues to have custody of Pandora Pruett, who was videotaped with her father after the baptism. 

For those who wish to see Pandora placed in a permanent loving home, please contact Colbert County DHR:

E-Mail Link to Colbert DHR

Shoalanda

How "Juvenile"/Tetter Welch Arrested

The two youths arrested for the savage beating of a Leighton youth have received "juvenile" status. The TimesDaily is therefore not releasing their names. Pen-N-Sword has previously identified the former fugitives as Demetrius Hampton and David Hill. It's our opinion that anyone old enough to intentionally shoot, stab, or otherwise attack an individual--then either run from police or lie about the crime--is old enough to be treated and tried as an adult.

Related content: Leighton Assault

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 Tetter Welch's New Tattoo

Tanisha Tetter Welch, first-cousin of Ronald Weems, failed to appear at her hearing on harassment charges last week. She was reportedly arrested at work today on additional charges and taken to the Tuscumbia City Jail where female prisoners are held.

Related post: Tetter and Ron

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Shoalanda

Ronald Weems Baptism on Video/Correction

The baptism of Ronald Eugene Weems, aka Ron Wikkid, continues to cause controversy. One family member even videoed the ceremony and downloaded it to Facebook. Here's a still from the baptism:

According to WHNT, even Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May was unaware of the off-premises baptism and has banned the "missionary" who orchestrated the affair. For those who have asked, obviously Weems was unshackled during the baptism and also while he mingled with family afterwards. If reports are correct that there was only one deputy present, it would have been quite a security breach.

*****

D.K. has informed us we were in error stating Tony Woods was not indicted for Capital Murder. Woods was indicted for this charge, but a jury convicted him only of Felony Murder. Again this shows how many steps are involved in bringing justice for a victim or family.

*****

Shoalanda

Ron Wikkid Weems: A Controversial Baptism

...they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

When we first began our blog slightly over four years ago, we did not consider the possibility of writing on the act of baptism. Yet here we are, addressing a subject that has caused some diverse opinions--all because of one controversial convert, Ron Wikkid Weems.

As far as we know, it's always been the practice to allow any prisoner who so wishes to be baptized. Last Tuesday, Ronald Eugene Weems and an unknown number of inmates from the Colbert County Jail were taken to a church building where they were baptized in some manner. We say in some manner since we don't know what they proclaimed or professed before the act. The building pictured is obviously not home to the more conservative among our local believers--note drum set to the right. That does not mean the baptisms themselves were carried out by members of this particular religious group.

Some have compared the trek to the church building to a field trip. Others have objected that it allowed Weems to spend approximately one hour in a serene setting with two of his children and other family members. Still others have questioned the sincerity of Weems, accused of killing Amanda Taylor and dismembering her body. One of our contacts has informed us that Assistant Colbert County District Attorney Kyle Brown was unaware that Weems was in the group that had requested to be baptized. Was there special security?

One of our readers even questioned how many in this group had been baptized before, but chose to again "put on Christ" in order to escape the tedium of incarceration for a few hours. Some readers of the Baptist faith felt there was no need for the baptism since in their faith it is unnecessary for salvation.

We cannot and will not judge Weems' sincerity in this matter. While we do not personally like Ron Wikkid, we do not begrudge him the opportunity to change his life. We do hope that the vast majority of his future life is spent in a maximum security prison setting. There Weems will have ample time to reflect on his past crimes, sins if you will. We also regret the district attorney's office was not able to charge Weems with a second crime related to Amanda's death in order to try him for Capital Murder. It will be up to the public, those who want justice for Amanda and her family, to make sure Weems is not granted parole.

In the "It's just the thought of it" department, we note that Weems is sitting on what is commonly called the Lord's Table, the article of furniture were communion is placed before being served to the congregation. We have to wonder if this image will come to the minds of congregants as they take the Lord's Supper...

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We've just read the latest TimesDaily update on the firing of Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray. It was a sobering article...up to a point. Then it became hilarious. We're sure our readers with good memories and a strong sense of irony will similarly be amused.

Greg Ray Fired

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Shoalanda

Trials & Tribulations--We Got 'Em

The trial of Brandon Shane Mundy was scheduled to begin today in Lawrence County; however, the former North Courtland police officer has asked for a delay. The Circuit Court judge's ruling on the request should be made known sometime this morning. Mundy is charged in the 2010 traffic deaths of Gary and Sandra Cox.

Today also marks the start of the Jason Dewayne Green trial for Felony Murder in Franklin County. It's expected to last the entire week, if not longer. Green's defense will maintain his fiancee' Shay Ledlow shot herself. The State maintains that the evidence doesn't back up that claim.

In Colbert County, the trial of Tanisha Tetter Welch will begin this morning at 9:00 a.m. Welch, first cousin to accused murderer Ron Wikkid Weems, is accused of harassing a friend of victim Amanda Taylor's family.

Also in Colbert County, District Attorney Bryce Graham has announced he will present the shooting of Jesse Rainey to the next grand jury. If the shooter should be indicted, authorities will then decide if he will be tried as an adult. Rainey remains in critical condition in Birmingham. Whether the shooter is indicted or not, Rainey's family could, and probably will, sue the person or persons responsible for Jesse's condition. Patients with traumatic brain injuries have a long and expensive road to recovery. Here's hoping young Jesse's path will be swift and he can return home to his family in good health.

In Lauderdale County, Andrew Daniel Scott, aka Hottie Scottie, has again been released from jail. This last ten-day stint was the result of a "failure to obey" the conditions of his bond. We'll have info on his trial or plea bargain as soon as it's available.

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DEBATE WATCH PARTY

Monday - October 22

Shoals Democratic Party Headquarters

1529 Broadway St - Sheffield

(between the Kia Dealership & McDonalds)

Begins at 7:30 p.m.

Bring finger foods to share

Public Invited

For additional information, call 256-978-5635 or 256-627-8530

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Shoalanda