Hollie’s Law Bill is signed by Governor Kay Ivey, making it a capital murder to kill a parent in the presence of their child.

Hollie’s Law Bill Signing:

I traveled to Montgomery on October 31st to attend the bill signing of Hollie’s Law. This law is in honor of Hollie Newbury, who was murdered in front of her two small children in Lauderdale County in 2009. The law makes it a capital murder to kill a parent in the presence of their child. We were joined in Montgomery by Hollie’s family and State Representative Phillip Pettus, who sponsored the legislation. Special thanks to Chief Assistant District Attorney Angie Hamilton who spearheaded efforts to make this happen.

Parole Hearings:

I attended two parole hearings on October 30th and successfully argued against the early release of two Lauderdale County inmates.

Robert Chase Capley:

Capley is serving a 12 year sentence for manslaughter for recklessly causing the death of two year old Addison Whitaker in a car crash. Capley had been drinking at the time of the crash and lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to leave the road and flip over, killing Addie, who was not in a car seat.  

Addie’s parents joined me at the hearing. Capley has served only about two years of the 12 year sentence. After hearing from his supporters and from those of us opposing his release, the board denied parole.

Shawn Russum:

Russum is serving a 20 year sentence for armed robbery. He committed the crime within a year of his release from prison due to an assault conviction. He has had twenty-five violations of prison rules since his incarceration for the robbery. The Attorney General’s Office and a representative of VOCAL joined me in opposing parole. Russum’s mother attended the hearing and urged the board to release him from prison. After hearing from both sides, the board denied parole.