Meteorologists at the National Weather Service say two small tornadoes touched down in the state Wednesday afternoon. A storm survey team determined that an EF-zero twister tornado touched down in Tallapoosa County, two miles southeast of Alexander City. A second EF-zero twister touched down in Clay County near Millersville. There were no injuries and only minor damage was reported. The two small tornadoes were spawned by a large storm system that dumped heavy rain across much of the state Wednesday and Wednesday night.
Fatal Shooting
A Montgomery man has been charged with murder and his cousin faces a charge of hindering prosecution following their arrests in connection with Tuesday's fatal shooting in north Montgomery. Police said 23-year-old Courtney Fuller is charged with murder in the death of 25-year-old Brandon McClain. The victim was gunned down near a gas station on Lower Wetumpka and Forbes roads. Fuller's cousin, 34-year-old Monica Carter, was charged with hindering prosecution. The two defendants are being held in the Montgomery County Detention facility under $75,000 bond each.
Shooting Suspect
The search continues for a gun-toting suspect who shot a convenience store clerk Wednesday afternoon. CrimeStoppers and Montgomery police have released surveillance video that shows the male robber walking into the 4 Way convenience store at 1408 Mobile Road. The suspect shot 43-year-old M.B. Manik who later died at a local hospital. CrimeStoppers is urging anyone who knows the identity or the whereabouts of the male robber to call Montgomery Police immediately or the CrimeStoppers number at 215-STOP. A $1,000 reward is being offered.
Farmer's Market
The Farmer's Market on West Fairview Avenue will remain open following the formation of a new business venture with assistance from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. Rural Farmers LLC will operate the market after Alabama State University decided in March to end its four year lease. The new operators have said they hope to entice more farmers, artisans and chefs as they seek to expand the number of vendors at the Farmer's Market on West Fairview.