A week long march from Selma to Montgomery begins today along U.S. 80 as part of the 50th Anniversary commemoration of "Bloody Sunday." Selma Police and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency estimate that between 70-80 thousand people were in Selma Saturday and Sunday. Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell, whose district includes Selma, says the city's battle for civil rights is no different from other turbulent periods in history. The commemorations in Selma attracted a who's who list of public officials and celebrities, including author and radio host Michael Eric Dyson.
Motorcyclist Dies
A 22-year-old Montgomery man was killed Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that involved a motorcycle and SUV. State Troopers said David Rashad Ali King died when the motor bike he was riding collided with the vehicle at about 2:15 p.m. on Alabama 170, less than a mile from U.S. 231. Troopers are also investigating a traffic fatality in Dallas County. 34-year-old Latonya Marie El died Friday afternoon when the car she was driving struck a tree on Clark Road near the Sardis Community. Troopers said El was not using a seat belt.
Amnesty Program
Another amnesty program is being offered this week to people who are under the threat of being arrested for failing to pay a traffic citation. Ken Nixon, director of Montgomery Municipal Court, said no one will be jailed for failing to pay. Nixon said a second amnesty period will run from March 16th through the 20th.
Federal Prison
Federal prosecutors in Montgomery say a Phenix City woman will serve more than nine years in federal prison for stealing identities and filing more than 900 tax returns totaling 3.4 million dollars in refunds. The lengthy term was given to Carnesha Alexander last week. Alexander was also ordered to pay more than $840,000 in restitution. A co-conspirator, Robert Walker of Columbus, Georgia, will serve 94 months in federal prison.