Jurors will decide whether to recommend life or death for the Montgomery man convicted of killing three people at a pool party more than two years ago. Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker told jurors to return this morning for the sentencing of 24-year-old Desmonte Leonard. Jurors rejected Leonard's claims of self-defense and convicted him of capitol murder and other charges Tuesday, and now they must make a sentencing recommendation. The final decision is up to the judge.
New Name
The One Place Family Justice Center has a new name. At a ceremony Tuesday, the building was renamed in honor of former Montgomery County District Attorney Ellen Brooks and Karen Sellers, the long time director of the Family Sunshine Center. Both women are credited with establishing the center to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assaults, elder abuse, child abuse and stalking. The Family Justice Center near downtown Montgomery serves victims from seven Alabama counties.
Winn-Dixie Protests
There are some unhappy residents in Montgomery following Winn-Dixie's decision to shutter a grocery store on East Boulevard. Several residents held a protest Tuesday in front of the East Boulevard grocery store holding placards that read "Save Our Winn-Dixie Please." One protestor said the store benefits more than a dozen neighborhoods in the area. Winn-Dixie officials recently announced plant to close three of its stores; two in Montgomery and one in Tallassee by November 19th.
New Trial
Court officials in Lowndes County have set a new trial date for a man charged in connection with the murders of 9-year-old twins and their 73-year-old caretaker. Defendant Deandre Lee is scheduled to go on trial on April 6th, 2015 at the courthouse in Hayneville. Lee has remained in jail since his arrest in Selma in June 2012 for the fatal shootings of Jordan and Taylor Dejerinett of Montgomery and Jack Mac Girdner. Lee has pleaded not guilty.
MPD Officer Recovering
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange says he's unsure when the suspect charged in last Sunday's shooting of Officer Robert Hubbard will be returned to Alabama to face charges. Strange said Officer Hubbard is recovering nicely and could be released from Jackson Hospital by the end of the week. The mayor also said two Montgomery police officers are in LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, to question 31-year-old Matthew Wright.