A Few Words About Joey Rushing

Shortly after we began this blog, a situation in Russellville was brought to our attention. A woman had been, for lack of another word, attacked by law enforcement in that town. No, she wasn't a criminal, and while we can't go into the details at this time, the woman was a victim of forces that should have been protecting her, but instead considered her collateral damage.

We were asked not to report on the incident since it could have cost two or more innocent individuals their jobs. If there comes a time when we can report on the physical and psychological attack, you will read it here.

We assumed, and wrongly so, that Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing was involved in this incident; as in believing he backed up the officers who committed this crime and asked others to lie to protect them. We examined every action of Mr. Rushing that we read about. If fault could be inferred, we did so, based on what we now believe was a very false assumption on our part.

After months of looking into Joey Rushing's record, talking to those who know him, and just general observation of character, we realized we were totally wrong. We've never informed Mr. Rushing of the attack that we had once believed he condoned; however, we hope he knows that at this point we admire his work ethic, his religious dedication, and the fact that he faces sometimes insurmountable odds in Franklin County to seek justice for those who've been so terribly hurt by violent crimes.

We see that Mr. Rushing is now taking some hits for prosecuting Hershel Dale Graham. We don't believe those who are criticizing him know all the facts...or perhaps they just aren't capable of rational thought. Perhaps to those individuals, it all boils down to guns and vigilante justice.

We're calling Joey Rushing our latest local hero. No matter what office he should run for in future, he will have our support. Thanks again, Joey. There aren't too many like you out there.

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From a reader:

I'm not able to comment on this site for some reason, so I'm sending you an e-mail. I know the lady who owns the home where Elijah Graham was arrested one night last fall. She didn't know Elijah. He just parked in her driveway to take some drugs, shoot up or whatever he was doing. It wasn't pot.

So if I read some comments right, my friend who really didn't want this dopehead on her property, should have just shot him and then called police? I'm pretty sure that's what will happen to Elijah at some point anyway.

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We're going to agree with our reader. We doubt Hershel Graham would have wanted the homeowner to have treated Elijah in the same manner he treated David Andrasik.



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

Graham Family Lies Build Up

Elijah Graham & Cassidy Borden

The murder trial of Hershel Dale Graham enters it fourth day this morning. Graham is being tried for the Felony Murder of David Martin Andrasik. Testimony yesterday provided some dramatic differences in witness statements and statements by Graham at the time of the shooting. Let's look at some of them.

Hershel Graham: He retrieved his handgun when his son Elijah and girlfriend Cassidy ran into the home to tell him an angry man was outside and wouldn't leave.

Holly Lewey (Red Bay School Teacher): Graham came outside, talked with Andrasik, returned to the home and came back out with the weapon.

Hershel Graham: Andrasik refused to leave.

Holly Lewey: David attempted to leave, but was called back by Elijah Graham who removed his shirt and stated he was prepared to fight.

Hershel Graham: Andrasik verbally threatened him.

Holly Lewey: David said nothing before he was shot.

Hershel Graham: Andrasik charged at him and he shot.

Holly Lewey: Hershel Graham simply raised the gun and shot David from approximately three feet away.

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Hershel Graham has four attorneys representing him in his bid to beat the Felony Murder charge. A friend was in court yesterday and reports that most of their defense during morning testimony relied on red herrings:

...Graham is being called disabled. He looks like a beached whale. He could just fall on someone and kill them. The attys have made fun of the ABI's lack of recording devices. Seems they used a cell phone that didn't work. They've also brought up drugs they know the state can't or didn't test for. Looks like if Mr. Andrasik had been taking these drugs along with drinking he would have been dead ages ago. They must have hoped the jury didn't know the purpose of anabolic steroids, cause I've never seen a pic of Andrasik where he looked even slightly muscular...didn't see Elijah or the grandfather in court. Guessing Elijah will have to testify, maybe g.father also.

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Elijah Graham, son of Hershel, is expected to testify for the defense today. He is currently under indictment for drug charges in Franklin County. He has taken to Facebook to announce that no one but God can judge him. We had found this a nebulous statement until it was revealed that it was he who called David Andrasik back to his death. Elijah must feel great guilt that his father is now in danger of spending his remaining days in lockup.



Shoalanda

The Waiting Game

We had been waiting to publish today for a report from the Hershel Dale Graham Felony Murder trial. As of yet we haven't received word from the contributor, so we'll offer a few updates on various topics.

1. The Brown Recluse wants her fans to know the comment concerning a regular Saturday column for the TimesDaily was an April Fool. We inferred as much since we've never seen the TotallyDecatur use a local author on a regular, or even irregular, basis. You can still read TBR on her deeply insightful blog featured on our sidebar. She's taking part in the A to Z Blogging Challenge this month.

2. Pen-N-Sword is reporting accused rapist Deion Bonton has been released from the Florence-Lauderdale Detention Center on bond.

3. Home invader Blake Austin Hines remains incarcerated in that facility. No word on his still to be captured cohorts.

4. Andrew Daniel Scott also left the detention center today via judge's order. We received no more details from our source and don't know if Hottie Scottie is entering drug rehab or is being allowed home before a trial. We hope this involves a plea that will demand serious counseling for Scott.

5. A reader commented with tongue in cheek concerning the huge awards sure to come from any suits against Angel Gieske, an unlicensed counselor who seems to have taken local DHR and several others for quite an unpleasant ride. No, we're pretty sure most of the money Gieske made from this felonious project is now spent. That may make it harder to find an attorney willing to participate in any lawsuit. The main thrust of these lawsuits should be to ensure Gieske doesn't just move her con from Alabama to still another state; however, if Medicaid does follow through, Gieske will be moving...

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Who knew Boz could yodel?





Shoalanda

Federal Prison for Angel Gieske?

We promised those hurt by impostor Angel Gieske some good legal advice. First and foremost, retain an attorney if you haven't already. We can't stress this too strongly.

At least one reader asked about a class action suit. Again, only an attorney can give you definitive advice on this, but since there are several suits in the making, anyone hoping to recover any damage from Geiske should consider the time frame. That doesn't mean that one attorney can't represent several families.

Why is time so critical? The latest antics of Angel Gieske won't be relegated to a state board to sort out. It's our understanding that Gieske, a non-licensed provider, received Medicaid funds--received them under false pretenses. That's Medicaid fraud, and we do know it's vigorously prosecuted in this state.

Again we also encourage anyone hurt by Gieske to contact this site:

Stop DHR Corruption

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There's been an interesting development at Tuscumbia Middle School. It seems they're looking for a new principal. We had intended to bring you a guest commentary on some problems at that facility; however, we're now going to expand the articles and will publish later in the week.

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The Hershel Dale Graham Felony Murder trial started today in Franklin County. We see that Graham has graduated from a cane used at his pre-trial appearances to a walker. Well, apparently he was at one time a professional wrestler. We're sure he has many theatrical tricks up his country bumpkin sleeve. Did we say country bumpkin? He seems to have enough smarts to have retained four attorneys. We continue to pray for justice for his victim David Martin Andrasik.

Shoalanda

Special Report: TimesDaily Has Interesting Article

Today the TimesDaily, sometimes known as the TotallyDecatur, published an extremely interesting and relevant article. The story was even more special to Shoals readers since it contained a dollop of local history.

The TD recruited yours truly, O.B., Steve & Sheri Wiggins, Mary Carton, Trader, Firenze, and the Brown Recluse, among others, to add their unique insights to the piece.

Yes, gentle readers, a friend dared us to come up with an April Fool for today...one that would be so transparent no reader would take it seriously...

The Staff at Shoalanda Speaks

Sparkey's & Walter Ricks/ Angel Gieske

Our friend Mary Carton recently took some photos of the new Sparkey's under construction in Valdosta. Apparently some of her readers were disappointed that the new establishment wasn't going to be grander. Then she received this e-mail:

Johnathon Smith Yes Mary, they started it yesterday. The outside should be almost complete by this evening. It is a plain design. Metal siding, very simple. The guy who plowed into the other building and destroyed it has not even attempted to offer an apology or anything. The owners (my parents) are gonna have to come out of pocket on several purchases for the new building. They would like to please everyone, but it is not in the budget to replicate the old building. It is already a little unfair that they are having to buy their business twice and the guy who destroyed it hasn't faced a single charge.

Wonder why the guy is not being held accountable?

We wonder too, Mr. Smith. Let's take a look at him. Walter Ricks, 41, was chasing a woman when he lost control of his 1999 Silverado truck. Ricks, who lives at 115 Graham Avenue in Tuscumbia, was only slightly injured. Sparkey's was a total loss.

At the age of 41, Ricks should know two things: How to drive and how futile it is to chase a woman who doesn't want you. Some folks just take longer to learn a few of life's basic lessons it seems.

It will cost the owners of Sparkey's money to sue Mr. Ricks and his insurance company, assuming he has one. We encourage them to do so.

Note: Photo by Trader. Read about Sparkey's here: Link

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We've been blogging since October 2008. During that time, we've received many comments on many subjects, but never have we received the amount we have recently gotten from families who claim to have been destroyed by Angel Gieske. They want answers.

Tomorrow we're going to attempt to give some good legal advice to those who wish to sue Gieske. We're also going to look at Tuscumbia Middle School. It will be an interesting read.

Shoalanda