New technology to block calls and text messages to cellphones soon will be installed at state prisons. Steve Brown, the agency's chief of staff, said a "managed access" system will be installed for Draper, Elmore and Staton prisons, all are located in Elmore County. State Corrections officials have asked the Legislature for additional funds to install similar systems at Bibb, Donaldson, Fountain and St. Clair prisons. Authorities say inmate use cell phones to conduct scams on the public, extort money from relatives and coordinate drug drops at prisons.
Alleged Sexual Assault
A track athlete and a classmate from Troy University have been suspended after Troy Police discovered a cellphone video that allegedly shows them sexually assaulting a woman amid a crowd of spring breakers on Panama City Beach. The Bay County sheriff says the footage, taken between March 10th and March 12th, shows several men surrounding an incapacitated woman on a beach chair. Two men have been charged with sexual battery. They're identified as 22-year-old Delonte Martistee of Bainbridge, Georgia, and 23-year-old Ryan Calhoun of Mobile. Bay County sheriff's officials say additional arrests are expected.
Double Murder
Lee County sheriff's officials have identified the man and woman who were shot to death early Sunday afternoon at a residence on Ridge Road near Opelika. Authorities said 47-year-old Bonnie Patridge and 42-year-old Kenneth Patridge, both of Phenix City, died of multiple gunshot wounds. After the two victims were found, deputies began searching for 22-year-old Ricky Clark of Phenix City. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said Clark was related by marriage to the two victims. The sheriff said Clark's body was found under the same house, a few feet from where the two victims had been found earlier. Authorities said Clark died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Bus Driver Death
A school bus driver in west Alabama died over the weekend from injuries she suffered in a two-vehicle crash in Pickens County that sent 14 children to the hospital. Alabama State Troopers said 58-year-old Sharon Hood died shortly after midnight Saturday at UA B Hospital in Birmingham. Hood was critically injured Friday afternoon when the school bus she was driving collided with an SUV about eight miles west of Ethelsville in Pickens County. The bus went off the road and struck a tree. 14 students on the school bus were treated for minor injuries.