General News

General

1 killed in Sunday night Montgomery shooting

A homicide investigation is underway following a deadly shooting Sunday night in Montgomery.

Montgomery police responded to a local hospital around 6:36 p.m. Sunday on a report of a person shot, said Sgt. Tina McGriff.

The investigation later determined the shooting occurred in the 500 block of Eastdale Road.

Caron Giles, 24, of Montgomery, sustained life-threatening injuries from a gunshot and was later pronounced dead, McGriff said..

Further information on the ongoing investigation was unavailable.

Anyone with information helpful to the homicide investigation was asked to call CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP, Secret Witness at 334-625-4000, or Montgomery police at 334-625-2831.

Read More
General

Class 2A Girls semifinals: Decatur Heritage rolls into final with big win over Abbeville

Decatur Heritage’s girls picked a good time to put together its full roster.

Battling sickness and injuries, the Class 2A No. 1 Eagles were loaded for its Class 2A semifinal matchup against Abbeville.

“This is the first time after Christmas that we have our whole entire team,” Decatur Heritage coach Johnny Jones said. “The way we practice and they progress, man, it’s been amazing to see.”

Playing at full strength, the Eagles picked up a 65-34 rout of Abbeville to punch their ticket to the Class 2A final.

“It was a great game,” Jones said. “With Abbeville, we knew it was going to be a difficult game. They’re big, very fast. Coach (Darryl) Brooks is a great coach. We really had a great game plan and we made some adjustments out ahead of time.

“When you get to this stage, you’ve got to find a way.”

Bolting out to a 16-8 lead after the first quarter and a 29-16 lead at halftime, the Eagles rolled the rest of the way with three players scoring in double figures; Leslie Hames led the way with 19 points, while Genie McGhee had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Aaliyah Tropue had 14 points and 9 rebounds in the win.

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Hames said of advancing to the final. “We really work hard during practice to get here. We’re all confident in each other and just trust in the process and trusting each other.”

Abbeville’s offense was led by 13 points and 7 rebounds by Gabrielle Brown, while Ny’Diqua Hardamon had 8 points and 7 rebounds.

“We played with a lot of heart, we hustled and Decatur Heritage is a very good basketball team,” Brooks said. “They’re very scrappy, and so we’ve got to give them credit too, for playing the way they played and the way they hustled.”

Star of the game: McGhee shined with a double-double, also grabbing 7 steals and dishing out 4 assists.

Stat sheet: Decatur Heritage — The Eagles shot 26-for-59 from the field and knocked down 6 3-point baskets in the win. Decatur Heritage (28-7) also grabbed 44 rebounds and totaled 14 steals, double what Abbeville had. Bri Tyson scored 10 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-point baskets. Abbeville — Aliyah Knight had 7 rebounds and 6 points for Abbeville, also leading the team with 5 assists in the win. Abbeville had 10 assists as a team and outscored Decatur Heritage 12-8 on points off fastbreaks.

Did you know? Decatur Heritage is chasing its first girls’ basketball state title.

They said it: “They went to a senior retreat and they’ve been different since they got back. It’s great, man, just seeing them, they’re really close now, and they talk a lot of trash through the halls and it’s great.” — Jones on his Decatur Heritage group

“They have worked hard from the offseason all the way to now as a group. They work hard together. Even when we come in the dressing room, they cheer one another up, pat one on the shoulders. Even when we walked out the court tonight, they were hurt, but they’re still picking each other and that’s what you want to see. That’s what you want to teach as a coach.” – Brooks after the his team suffered only its second loss in 26 games

What’s next: Decatur Heritage will face Pisgah or Highland Home in the Class 2A final on Friday at 9 a.m.

Read More
General

Huntsville man who allegedly killed grandparents with sword and knife charged with capital murder

A man is facing two counts of capital murder charges after he allegedly used a sword and knife to fatally stab his grandparents on Friday in Huntsville.

Xavier Cole, 21, of Huntsville, is being held without bond in the Madison County jail, records showed.

According to charging documents filed in Madison County District Court, Cole killed Kenneth and Antoinette Skaggs by stabbing them “with a sword and knife.”

The charges against Cole, who was arrested on Saturday, are capital because the killings involved two or more victims.

Huntsville police responded to a 911 call around 10:30 p.m. Friday to Carriage Court, where they found Cole sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle, according to Fox 54.

That’s when Cole allegedly admitted to killing his grandparents in their home.

An attorney for Cole was not listed in court records.

Read More
General

Madison could make its mayor the state’s fourth highest-paid

Madison city council is scheduled to vote Monday night on raises for elected officials that would make the city’s mayor among the highest paid in Alabama.

Pay for the city’s mayor would be set at $140,000 under a resolution on the council’s meeting agenda. The raises would not go into effect until after the municipal election this summer.

And at least one sitting official would not be affected: Mayor Paul Finley announced in October he would not seek re-election.

Read More
General

Hanceville police indictments ‘completely irrelevant’ to excessive force lawsuit, attorney says

Last week’s indictments against five Hanceville police officers that also alleged the department engaged in a “a rampant culture of corruption” have no bearing in a federal excessive force lawsuit filed three years ago by a city resident, according to an attorney representing the city and three different officers in the 2022 case.

Greg Burgess, who is representing Hanceville and three officers in the federal case, was responding to Hanceville resident Joshua Phillips’ filing asking the judge in the case to accept the indictments as evidence.

Phillips, identified in his lawsuit as a 39-year-old disabled man from Hanceville, accused officers Kyle Duncan, Josh Howell and Lowell Adam Hadder of excessive force, deprivation of civil rights, unlawful arrest and other allegations.

“There is no connection between the criminal allegations made in the recent indictments and Joshua Phillips’ claims in the civil lawsuit against our clients,” Burgess told AL.com. “The personnel, underlying facts and alleged incidents, and time frames are all different and unrelated.”

Burgess said the city and the officers expect to file a motion to strike and exclude the indictments from the excessive force case “on the ground it is completely irrelevant.”

The officers listed as the defendants in the federal case are not the same ones facing charges in Cullman County.

Hadder, one of the officers named in the federal lawsuit, filed a lawsuit against the city in Cullman County Circuit Court in the summer, claiming chain of evidence was destroyed after he was allegedly forced off the job.

The state cases against the five officers and one of the officers’ wives include allegations of on-duty drug injections, misuse of criminal databases and distribution of controlled substances to each other and to others, according to the indictments.

Hanceville’s police chief, 51-year-old Jason Marlin, is charged with two counts of failure to report ethics crime and tampering with physical evidence. He retired from the Birmingham Police Department where he worked at the South Precinct.

The indictments against Marlin allege that, as the head of the police force, he had a duty to report ethics violations of his officers to Alabama Ethics Commission and failed to do so.

Marlin, according to court documents, also removed or mishandled evidence from the property room.

All six, including Officers Cody Alan Kelso, 33, Drew Shelnutt, 39, Jason Wilbanks, 37, Eric Michael Kelso, 44, and his wife, 63-year-old Donna Kelso, surrendered to the Cullman County Jail Wednesday, and were released on bond.

The announcement of the indictments came after the county coroner said the Aug. 23, 2024 death of a dispatcher in his office was the result of a drug overdose and an 18-member grand jury said the department operated under “a rampant culture of corruption” and should be abolished.

Christopher Michael Willingham, 49, was found dead Aug. 23 in his office. The discovery was made shortly after 11 a.m. that Friday.

Willingham’s body was sent for autopsy at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville.

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick on Wednesday said Willingham died from “combined toxic effects of fentanyl, gabapentin, diazepam, amphetamine, carisoprodol, and methocarbamol.”

The manner of death was ruled as an accident.

None of the indicted officers are charged in connection to Willingham’s death.

However, the grand jury found Willingham’s death was the “direct result of HPD of negligence, lack of procedure and disregard for human life.”

“Let me say this, I am not here to defend Chris Willingham, and I am not here to tear him down,‘’ D.A. Champ Crocker said. ”He has a family, friends. He’s been around for a long time.”

Crocker said the “unfettered access that a lot of people had to the evidence room” was the basis of the grand jury’s findings regarding Willingham’s death.

Read More
General

‘The Bachelor’ season 29 episode 5: How to watch, where to stream free

ABC’s The Bachelor returns with an all-new episode on Monday, Feb. 24 at 8/7c.

On this week’s episode, the season’s bachelor Grant Ellis and the seven remaining contestants remain abroad as they travel from Madrid to Edinburgh.

Where can I watch season 29 of The Bachelor?

Though The Bachelor premieres on the ABC network, those without basic cable can still catch new episodes on demand through either Fubo or DirecTV Stream, both of which offer free trials.

What is Fubo and DirecTV Stream?

Fubo and DirecTV Stream are two of the most popular on-demand streaming services. Along with offering on-demand content, both streaming services offer live TV channels and a slew of unique features such as unlimited DVR.

Fubo is known as a sports-focused live streaming service, but it has plenty of eye-catching channels for all to enjoy. Gain access to all your favorite channels like ABC, Bravo, CW, ESPN and more through Fubo. Enjoy perks such as unlimited DVR, family share and unlimited screens.

Fubo offers plans ranging from $84.99 a month to $94.99 a month, and if you sign up for a free trial and decide to keep using Fubo, your first month’s price is reduced.

DirecTV Stream mirrors Fubo in the channels and features it offers. DirecTV Stream’s base plan includes over 90 channels at just $86.99 a month after the free trial expires.

Those interested can check out all available DirecTV Stream packages here.

Season 29 episode 4 recap

Last week’s episode consisted of two one-on-one dates, one group date. On the first one-on-one date, Grant and Dina wanted to absorb all that Madrid had to offer by being anything but tourists. From dancing in the streets to playing soccer with local kids, the pair enjoyed their time together while sharing hopes for the future.

Sarafiena scored the second one-on-one date with this season’s bachelor, and though Grant and Dina wowed viewers with their ability to live like locals, it’s nothing compared to seeing Sarafiena join Grant in taking a leap of faith, literally.

On the first part of their date, the couple followed through with a bungee-jumping adventure off a bridge. Following this rush of adrenaline, the two shared a romantic dinner in a breathtaking Spanish Villa.

Parisa, Zoe, Rose, Natalie, Juliana, Carolina, Alexe and Litia joined Grant for a group date which included riding donkey and learning how to be a matadora from a professional.

Who are the remaining contestants?

  • Juliana, 28, a client service associate from Newton, Mass.
  • Litia, 31, a venture capitalist from Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Alexe, 27, a pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, Canada
  • Dina, 31, an attorney from Chicago, Ill.
  • Carolina, 28, a public relations producer from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
  • Sarafiena, 29, an associate media director from New York, N.Y.
  • Zoe, 27, a tech engineer/model from New York, N.Y.
Read More
General

Colorado-Kansas basketball free livestream: How to watch Big 12 game, TV, schedule

The Kansas Jayhawks play against the Colorado Buffaloes in a Big 12 basketball game tonight. The matchup will begin at 10 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Jayhawks enter this matchup with an 18-9 record, and they are coming off a 96-64 win against Oklahoma State.

During the victory, Hunter Dickinson led the Kansas offense. He scored 16 points and shot 7-10 from the field, so he will look to perform similarly tonight.

Notably, Dickinson leads the team in points and rebounds this season.

The Buffaloes enter this matchup with an 11-16 record, and they are coming off a 76-74 win against Baylor.

During the victory, Andrej Jakimovski led the Colorado offense. He scored 17 points and shot 50% from the field, so he will be a key player to watch tonight.

Jakimovski is the second-leading scorer for Colorado this season, as he averages more than 10 points per game.

Fans can watch this Big 12 basketball game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

Read More
General

Converse drops rare sale on Chuck Taylor All Stars sneakers

Read More
General

11 arrested in Opelika child sex sting

A two-day operation targeting child exploitation in Opelika led to the arrests of 11 people.

The operation was carried out Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 by Opelika police, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Covenant Rescue Group.

The suspects, according to court records, believed they were interacting with a 15-year-old child, and some of them offered to pay the “teen” to have sex.

Those arrested were:

  • Courtney Rashad Avery, 40, of Opelika – child solicitation by computer and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Grant Kisang Lee, 43, from, Johns Creek, GA. – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful ex act.
  • Ismel Cano Montealegre, 21, of Montgomery – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Victor Lewis Dowdell II, 27, of Auburn – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Javier Perez, 25, of Auburn – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Jacob Andrew Fahringer, 23, of Auburn, – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Arnulfo Diaz-Alvarado, 27, of Dothan – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Efraim Perez Vaquero, 22, Union Springs – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Seungyun Lee, 28, of Auburn – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Quyen Huu Nguyen, 29, of Auburn – two counts of prostitution with a minor, two counts of Child Solicitation by Computer, and two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
  • Marcus Savon Wilson, 44, of Auburn – prostitution with a minor, child solicitation by computer, and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.

Covenant Rescue Group is a nonprofit organization that aims to bring hope and freedom to victims of human trafficking. They partner with law enforcement agencies to provide training and assist in operations.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Opelika police at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665.

Read More
General

Class 1A Boys semifinals: R.C. Hatch edges Oakwood, returns to state title game

R.C. Hatch will play for state title No. 11 on Thursday afternoon.

The No. 9-ranked Bobcats placed four players in double figures, got a pair of late breakaway baskets in the final seconds and knocked off No. 3 Oakwood Academy 65-61 in the Class 1A semifinals at Legacy Arena on Monday.

They will play No. 8 Brantley for the championship at 5:45 p.m. Thursday. The Bulldogs defeated Hubbertville in the first semifinal game.

“Special shoutout to these guys,” R.C. Hatch coach Kris Hood said. “They said at the beginning of the season they wanted to win a state championship. It’s been since 2008 since we won one. I’m glad the guys bought in, and we are here again.”

The Bobcats won state titles in 1978, 1985, 1987, 1994, 1995, 2003, 2004 and three straight from 2006-2008. They got a stern test Monday from the upstart Mustangs, who were looking for their first title.

R.C. Hatch (23-4) took their largest lead of the game at 52-41 on two free throws by Isaiah Thomas and a buzzer tip-in by Merion Jones at the end of the third quarter. Jones finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Thomas, who played crucial minutes with 4 fouls, finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Oakwood (25-9) battled back. The Eagles opened the final quarter on a 16-6 run.Jaiden Morton’s 3-pointer brought Oakwood within 58-57 with 2:25 left to play.

“The main thing was I told our guys not to panic,” Hood said. “We were down 11 to start the fourth quarter in our last game. I got kind of nervous to be honest today, but I had a feeling we would pull it out.”

After R.C. Hatch’s LaVonte Witherspoon and Oakwood’s Austin Germono exchanged 3-point baskets, the Bobcats led just 61-60. Frederick Wilson’s layup bumped the advantage to 63-60, but Germono was fouled shooting a 3 on the other end with 8.9 seconds left.

He made just one of the three free throws. His team was just 6-of-15 from the foul line overall.

Hatch’s Theotis Dudley ended the game with a dunk on the other end.

“I’m not surprised,” Thomas said of the win. “We’ve been working hard all year to get here. Now, we just have to go out and take it on Thursday.”

Star of the game: Jones was the engine for R.C. Hatch. He was 9-of-22 from the field and was able to consistently get to the basket when his team needed a bucket.

Stat sheet: R.C. Hatch – Dudley finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 8 blocked shots. He also had 3 assists and 2 steals. Wilson also scored 12 points; Oakwood – Germono had 22 points on 9-of-20 shooting. Dylon Pognon had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Morton chipped in 8 points.

By the numbers: R.C. Hatch was 27-of-60 from the field, 4-of-10 from 3-point range and 7-of-9 from the foul line. Oakwood was 25-of-31 from the field, 5-of-18 from 3 and just 6-of-15 from the foul line. The teams combined to score 86 points in the paint. R.C. Hatch had a 23-14 edge in fastbreak points.

Did you know? R.C. Hatch sophomore Theotis Dudley is the nephew of former Alabama star Erwin Dudley.

Did you know 2? R.C. Hatch’s Isaiah Thomas was 1 the last time his school won a state title.

“I didn’t realize these guys were so young or maybe I’m just old,” Hood said.

The said it:

“We expected a dogfight. This is the final four. Everyone is fighting for their lives. The better team today came out on top.” – Oakwood coach Jarrett Swain.

“I changed the defense up a little and simply told them in the huddle that this is it. Leave it all on the court for eight minutes. Walk off the court saying you gave it your all.” – Swain on what he said to rally his team at the end of the third quarter.

“Brotherhood, friendship, love. It’s something you just don’t get. We play together. We play as one. If one of us doesn’t win, we all don’t win.” – an emotional Germono on what he gained from the season.

Read More