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28th Alabama inmate dies after testing positive for COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, 441 Alabama inmates and 415 staff have tested positive for coronavirus.
October 13, 2020

SPLC report: Despite COVID-19 deaths, Alabama isn’t releasing older, at-risk inmates

A report by the Southern Poverty Law Center published Tuesday found that almost 200 older state inmates, at greater risk from COVID-19, were eligible for parole, but either had no hearing or were denied parole over the summer.  Alabama’s three-member Board of Pardons and Paroles denied parole for 44 people who were 65 and older … Continued
September 23, 2020

Thieves targeting food stamp recipients via text messages

The Alabama Department of Human Resources on Wednesday warned the public that thieves are targeting people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit cards, commonly known as food stamps, through text messages.  The text messages typically request personal information, including Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and SNAP electronic benefits transfer card or PIN numbers, … Continued
September 17, 2020

John Paul Dejnozka, the “Southwest Molester,” dies after testing positive for COVID-19

John Paul Dejnozka, 76, died on Sept. 9 after testing positive for COVID-19, becoming the 21st Alabama inmate to have died after being confirmed to have the disease. Dejnozka, who was dubbed the “Southwest Molester,” was convicted in 1980 in connection with the assault of at least 18 women in their homes, attacking, torturing and … Continued
September 14, 2020

Governor announces grant to aid domestic violence victims amid COVID-19

Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced approval of a $10,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help domestic violence victims access help during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence is using the funds to provide direct services and support during COVID-19 for victims of family, domestic and dating violence, Ivey’s … Continued
September 11, 2020

Appeals court upholds Lowndes County capital murder conviction

Attorney General Steve Marshall said this week that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction of Deandra Marquis Lee on capital murder during a robbery. Lee, 24, is from Montgomery and was convicted in Lowndes County Circuit Court in October 2018 for the 2012 murders of 9-year-old twins Jordan and Taylor Dejerinett and … Continued
September 10, 2020

Defense attorneys call for AG to drop charges against Selma police officers

Attorneys Julian McPhillips Jr. and David Sawyer are holding a news conference in Montgomery Thursday to again ask Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall to drop charges against three Black Selma Police Officers who were re-indicted on felony charges of lying to the attorney general. McPhillips and Sawyer say that Marshall’s actions caused the three Selma … Continued
September 10, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey awards grants to address impaired driving

Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced the award of more than $743,000 to help Alabama state troopers address impaired and dangerous drivers.  Ivey awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to pay for overtime for troopers to patrol areas known for higher rates of impaired drivers … Continued
September 4, 2020