Crime
Stephen Chaney, Wanted in the Murder of Claudia Maria Leiva, on the Run After Removing Ankle Monitor and Skipping Court Date
Chaney was charged and arrested in October 2020 and posted bail.
Stephen D. Chaney, who is wanted for the murder of 21-year-old Claudia Maria Leiva, is now on the run after removing his ankle monitor and skipping his court appearance.
Chaney, 28, was charged with murder following the discovery of Leiva’s body near a dumpster at a condominium complex on West Rosamond Street in August 2020.
Authorities reported that Leiva had been fatally shot, and her body remained at the scene for several days before it was found.
Chaney was arrested in October 2020 and later posted bail, awaiting trial.
On October 8, 2024, after the jury for his trial had been selected, Chaney removed his ankle monitor and failed to show up in court.
Authorities are warning the public that the suspect is still at large and is actively being sought.
If anyone has any information about Stephen Chaney’s location, they are urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
Photos of the suspect have been circulated to assist in the search.
Crime
Joseph Levi Jackson Arrested After Fatally Shooting Father During Domestic Dispute in Kinston
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.
