Cop's Vehicular Homicide Case Sent to AG

 

On the night of October 11, 2022, Tuscumbia police officer Jay Steward was driving a city vehicle while off duty. Travelling on Hawk Pride Mountain Road in a 45 mph zone, Steward was doing 75 mph (per vehicle data). While on a relatively straight stretch, he left the road and hit a resident retrieving his mail. Terry Wayne Hinton, 60, was killed instantly.

While Mr. Hinton's wife and parents were no longer living, he was survived by two brothers, several nieces and nephews, various in-laws, and a special friend. These individuals continue to hurt today and will hurt their entire lives over the tragic ending of Mr. Hinton's life.

Due to a Tuscumbia law enforcement officer being involved, ALEA was called in to investigate the details of the accident. At that time, many of our readers commented that there would be no real investigation, only a cover-up. Then in January of this year, ALEA issued its final report.

This news was covered locally by only WAFF in Huntsville, and many missed the story, including our bloggers. ALEA gave its findings to the Colbert County District Attorney's office. For whatever reason, possibly a conflict of interest, that office referred the case to the state attorney general's office which is now, ostensibly, preparing its case against Steward.

We don't know how much time will pass before the AG's office acts on the information it received. We have seen such cases produce a sentence of one year in the state prison system, while we can recall at least one that resulted in a 27 year prison term. A great deal will depend on the toxicology report and any evidence presented of a previous Tuscumbia accident in which Steward was involved.

We sincerely hope that Mr. Hinton's family and friends receive justice.

75 mph On Hawk Pride Mountain Road