Take a walk with author Faith Serafin as she travels through the darkest recesses of Phenix Citys past. the redneck variety) kept a firm hand in the till, relying on beatings, bombings, On May 4, Phenix City police were called to the scene of a Marathon gas. Alabama Crime News - al.com 29-year-old Damon Daniels Jr., of Phenix City, is charged with capital murder. Phenix City, AL Crime Rates & Map - AreaVibes We just didnt see it as being a bad place, and I still dont see it as being a bad place then.. We didnt know organized crime back then. Today marks the 68th anniversary of the assassination of Albert Love Patterson, the Phenix City lawyer and Democratic candidate for Attorney General who vowed to root out crime and vice in East Alabama. Russell Countys District Attorney tells WRBL he believes Jakes should remain behind bars until the case goes to trial or is adjudicated. Sign up for the Crime Capsule newsletter today. Persons fired the sheriff, deputies and police, and Hannas troops raided the gambling places to destroy slot machines and gather evidence. After stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation, Auburn police arrested two people from Opelika under theft and drug charges last week. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. The Smiths Station High School theatre program will be performing a comedic play about The Complete Works of William Shakespeare from April 20-22. In my mind, it was not any different than going to Las Vegas, Nevada, today and walking down those streets, Waldrop said. A 12-year-old male was pronounced dead just before 9 p.m. on Feb. 1. Can you help Opelika police identify this suspect involved in theft from Home Depot? There, the United Way honored and recognized the annual campaign effort, generous volunteers, and the positive change happening in th, Keshaun Paulk, 17, is a senior at Russell County High School and will graduate May 24. My grandmother was next to sainthood. The show is about an hour and a half to two hours long. A handful of books have also been written about the events, including Wicked City by Ace Atkins and The Tragedy and Triumph of Phenix City, Alabama by Margaret Anne Barnes. According to Chancey, in the state of Alabama for capitol murder charges a defendant is required to obtain two lawyers. This is possible by associating the 9.4 million reported crimes in the U.S, including over 2 million geocoded point locations. No other information is available at this time. Updated annually. This analysis applies to Phenix City's proper boundaries only. Crime in Phenix City - Phenix City, AL Crime Map | SpotCrime 8,376,755. Continue Reading Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. They havent eaten each other yet, Preschool teacher arrested during nap time after body found, California cops say, Castle for sale in SC has it all gargoyles, lions heads and even a sword in stone, Woman clinging to log in Zion National Park river had no pulse when rescued, rangers say, A man was fatally beaten on the Columbus riverwalk and a suspect has pleaded guilty, Kemp signs anti-crime package, including crackdowns on gangs that recruit minors, Warrants say ex-Columbus political candidate Zeph Baker dragged, beat, abducted woman, A 13-year-old boy was arrested for the murder of 20-year-old in LaGrange, police say, Fulton County DA sets timetable for charging decisions in Trump election case, Former Columbus mayoral candidate Zeph Bakers five criminal charges include kidnapping. This is compared to communities of all sizes, from the smallest to the largest. All but two were convicted. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. It was just different individuals who had their own [illegal businesses.]. Phenix City AL man sentenced in federal child porn case | Columbus . Chattahoochee Valley Community College announces basketball schedules. Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. confirmed two men were shot and killed. Central-Phenix City coach Patrick Nix says the best is yet to come for Coleman. It got blown out of proportion and sensationalized I wish we could clean up our image because it just wasnt like that at all.. Darius Deshawn Brooks was killed Tuesday in the driveway of his grandfathers Bessemer home. ASIN: 399154574. In Phenix City, AL you have a 1 in 139 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Listen to the second chapter of Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles that examines the circumstances surrounding a death in a New Jersey resort town. The Lee County Sheriffs Office arrested two men in connection to multiple burglaries that were reported between March 27 and March 31 in Valley. Phenix City man arrested in Riverwalk double homicide case - MSN He was seriously wounded near St. Etienne and was awarded the Croix de Guerre with a silver gilt star by France for his service. Sheriff Taylor had shared that the Russell County Sheriffs department uses the revenue from permits. Few other communities of this size have a crime rate as high as Phenix City. The film, The Phenix City Story, was filmed in Phenix City just as Persons clean-up was over. 18,000 local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Opelika Auburn Crime News | oanow.com Phenix City, AL Violent Crime Rates and Maps | CrimeGrade.org Gordon Persons declared martial law in Phenix City, ordering Gen. Walter Crack Hanna, backed by soldiers of the National Guard, to take over the Russell County Courthouse and Phenix City Hall. However, Waldrop said shed never heard of the name Dixie Mafia. She said the crime in Phenix City wasnt organized, contrary to popular belief. He has the distinction of winning a $20,000 scholarship from Huntingdon College eSports program. On Friday, Auburn police arrested Douglas Ray Torney, 55, of Auburn, on a felony warrant for theft of property first degree. Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning. Copyright 2000-2023 Location Inc. Welcome to Phenix City, Alabama, an All-America City with a rich history and a strong dedication to a progressive future. What happened when that raid forced Governor Johnsons hand? Crime Scene Cleanup Phenix City AL | Biohazard Cleaners Waldrop said she was at the Phenix Drive-In Theater the night Patterson was killed. deputies regularly extorted local businesses, aided prostitution, and in some 2023 Compare Climate & Weather: Phenix City, AL vs Crestview, FL Phil Karlson directed the film, which starred John McIntire, Richard Kiley and Kathryn Grant and premiered at the Palace Theatre in Phenix City. One man has been arrested in connection to an attempted murder said to have occurred in Opelika last weekend. the state line, where they could set up shop once more. On June 18, 1954, Patterson was getting into his car in the parking lot next to the Coulter Building when he was shot three times. I mean, how bad could that be?. Phenix City, AL repair shop owner recalls gunfight over bill | Columbus Reflects 2021 calendar year; released from FBI in Oct. 2022 (latest available). PHENIX CITY, Ala. (AP) A decade after dropping out, Briana Mathis, a 30-year-old mother of two, is navigating her first year back at Wallace Community College. On Friday, Auburn police arrested Damarius Montrell Morgan, 47, from Auburn, on warrants charging him with burglary third degree and theft of property fourth degree. counties, towns, and (sometimes) families too much. The Author: Ace Atkins. The records section is the information link between the Police Department and outside agencies, as well as the public we serve. On Friday, Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Tickal filed an order to continue the case of Skybar Caf owner Patrick James Grider to the next term of court, which starts March 27. Antonio Franchester Orr, aka Lil T, coordinated with a Mexican supply source, using a broker out of an Alabama state prison, to distribute in the Calhoun County area. NeighborhoodScout has done just that. Fuller was paroled after ten years and died in 1969. After conducting a traffic stop on Tuesday, Auburn police arrested Kimosolona Gatewante Floyd, 43, of Auburn, on a felony warrant for certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol. The town was named after Stephen Girard, who was the richest man in the United States when he died in 1831 of . Lawyers arrest causes Phenix City Riverwalk double-murder case to be postponed, Opelika Police Department investigating theft at Ulta. You played the number and put a bet on it, and if it failed, it got paid off Everybody in Phenix City played the bug at one time or another. Jax Yoxtheimer singled on a 3-2 count in the bottom of the seventh inning as reigning Class 7A champion Central-Phenix City defeated Class 5A no. The arraignment for Damon Daniels was supposed to be at the Russell County Justice Center but before it could get started, it was quickly over. You are asked to call the Phenix City Police Department at (334) 298-0611, (334) 448-2840 or (334)-215-7867. One dead, 3 hospitalized after high-speed police chase and crash near Upatoi, Wendys Has a Classic Answer to McDonalds Burger Changes, Three unlikely creatures seen sharing the same den. The case that was presented this morning took an interesting turn. All rights reserved (About Us). His family reported him missing to Phenix City police around 11:30 a.m. Oct. 21. Opelika police arrested a woman after the initial investigation of a shooting on Saturday. After the war, Patterson attended what is now Jacksonville State University before serving as a high school principal in both Clay and Coosa Counties. There is an admissions fee of $5 per person, $20 per large family, and kids 10 and under get in for free. Series: Crime Classics, Book 0. One of whom was Mr. Allen Jones, which I think is no longer able to be on this case anymore, said Rick Chancey, Russell County DA. Waldrop said her experience growing up in Phenix City was innocent. Auburn Police Departments Narcotics and Investigations Section arrested a Georgia man in connection to a suspected drug overdose death that is believed to involve fentanyl poisoning. Waldrop said that Phenix City is just like any all-American town and isnt like how its been portrayed in books and movies. They say the image is of a person of interest who was walking toward the Riverwalk near the time of the crimes. Once the sprawling capital of the Muscogee Indian Empire, the region took a sinister turn when a holy war engulfed the southern territories in 1812, leading to the murder of the infamous Chief William McIntosh. In addition, NeighborhoodScout found that a lot of the crime that takes place in Phenix City is property crime. Nearly 90 shell casings found at the scene of Dadeville mass shooting, ALEA says, Opelika police seek help IDing suspect who allegedly stole wallet, Authorities release mugshots of 5 suspects after sixth arrest in Dadeville shooting, Fifth suspect arrested in Dadeville mass shooting, Juggling facts and hearsay in the Susan Negersmith homicide investigation | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast, At least 4 dead, 28 wounded after Dadeville shooting at teen's birthday party, ALEA says, Phenix City man arrested after allegedly killing his dog, Two Valley men arrested after $20K in property went missing. SUNDAY, April 30, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Drowning isnt always accompanied by the stereotypical flailing and cries for help. By the 1950s, Phenix City was home to the Dixie Mafia, and crime and corruption ruled over the little riverfront city. Alfred White testified that Lamar Vickerstaff admitted to killing his daughter Amore Wiggins. His attorney assigned to him was Allen Jones the same attorney facing multiple charges accusing him of bringing contraband into the Muscogee County Jail. The Opelika Police Department is requesting the publics assistance in identifying the suspects involved in a fraudulent use of a debit card, which occurred at Walmart, located at 2900 Pepperell Parkway. I would like to comment on the article in last weeks paper The Cost of Permitless Carry. Some of the article I agreed with and some I did not; however, I do agree with the loss of revenue. She made hundreds of purchases, including clothing, electronics, food, furniture, streaming services, utility payments and vacations for herself and a friend. Particularly along the Gulf Coast, in cities like Gulfport and Biloxi, gambling and drinking dens sprang up like kudzu, right next to hotels and local harbors (hotspots for raids by federal authorities). He ran on a platform to uproot the corruption and vice in Phenix City. July is the hottest month for Phenix City with an average high temperature of 91.9, which ranks it as one of the hottest places in Alabama. Investigation into crash that killed Phenix City student complete After conducting a traffic stop on Monday, Auburn police arrested two Georgia men on multiple charges. Arizona GOP committee to review federal, state and local COVID response. Stay current with all the latest and breaking news about Phenix City, compare headlines and perspectives between news sources on stories happening today. Phenix City, Serafin writes, things got so bad that after the bloody assassination Violent Crimes - Murder Rape Robbery Assault (StatePoint) Home organizing is more than a trend; its a lifestyle. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. kidnappings, and murder in order to keep control of the town. The lawyer is facing numerous counts, including possession of ecstasy and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. As a child, I didnt know that anything was illegal or wrong during that, Waldrop said. Valley tax preparer sentenced to 20 months in federal prison under charge of filing false tax returns, New Jersey cold case went from accidental death to suspected homicide | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast, Opelika man leads five law enforcement agencies on high-speed chase through three counties, Man found dead Friday morning in Auburn behind Skybar, Auburn man arrested in connection of a theft that was reported in June 2021, Auburn man arrested on burglary and theft charges in connection to burglary on North Gay Street, Valley man arrested in Auburn in connection to gun charges and failure to appear, Man and woman from Opelika arrested under theft and drug charges, Man arrested in connection to attempted murder investigation in Opelika, Opelika detective says Lamar Vickerstaff admitted to killing his daughter Amore Wiggins, Opelika Middle School substitute teacher arrested on charges alleging sex abuse on minors, Skybar owner sexual misconduct case rescheduled to next term of court at Lee County Justice Center, Opelika police seek help identifying two suspects accused of using a stolen debit card at Walmart, Historical homes you can own in the Opelika area, Auburn Nursery specializes in native species and ecological diversity, Opelika neighbors: Obituaries for April 30, Police found 68-year-old man with gunshot wound and arrested woman under assault charge, Auburn police arrest man on felony weapons charges, Auburn police arrest two Georgia men on multiple charges after conducting a traffic stop, Before a Lee County Grand Jury, man pleads guilty to reckless manslaughter after deadly crash in 2020, Inmate dies while in custody at Lee County Detention Center, After conducting a traffic stop, police arrest Auburn man on stolen property and drug charges, Opelika police search for suspects said to have stolen a wallet from a victim in Hobby Lobby, Auburn police arrest Georgia man in connection to a suspected drug overdose death. Where is 2022 data? Phenix City man arrested in Riverwalk double homicide case, Opelika Police Department investigating theft at Ulta. This is the second crash in the area after a high-speed pursuit in a week. At the hospital, the child showed a positive result for fentanyl, police said. According to Sheriff Taylor . Success! Get the latest headlines on local sports! According to the Chamber of Commerce pamphlet, Fuller earned $300 a month yet enjoyed flashing $1,000 bills he earned from protecting gangsters. Before running for attorney general, Patterson got involved with the Russel Betterment Association, which was formed to combat vice and corruption in Phenix City. Have the latest local news delivered each week so you don't miss out on updates. I remember him, Waldrop said. At a preliminary hearing on Wednesday at the Lee County Justice Center, Opelika Police Detective Sgt. The film received positive reviews from critics but was criticized by others for its inaccuracy.