Crime
Richard Huguley Charged with Fatally Shooting Stepfather James Barnett in Salem
LEE COUNTY, Ala. — A 51-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his stepfather in the Salem community of Lee County.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of Lee Road 126 at approximately 7:14 p.m. Thursday following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered 69-year-old James Barnett deceased in a chair located in the front yard of his residence.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jessica Henderson confirmed that Barnett suffered a single gunshot wound to the forehead.
Court documents indicate that the weapon used was a .38 Special revolver.
Following the initial investigation, authorities gathered evidence that identified Barnett’s stepson, Richard Lee Huguley, 51, as the primary suspect.
Huguley was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
He is currently being held at the Lee County Detention Center pending an Aniah’s Law hearing, which will determine if he is eligible for bond.
Investigators have not released additional details regarding a possible motive.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with further information to contact them at 334-749-5651 or reach out to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Crime
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.