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Alabama House panel passes bill to mandate that some teens are prosecuted as adults in murder cases

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7 months ago

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alabamareflector.com – Ralph Chapoco – 2025-02-26 12:28:00

Alabama House panel passes bill to mandate that some teens are prosecuted as adults in murder cases

by Ralph Chapoco, Alabama Reflector
February 26, 2025

An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved legislation that requires the court to prosecute people age 16 and older as adults when they are charged with murder.

The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee approved HB 146 — sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen — which would prohibit a judge from granting youthful offender status to minors who are at least 16-years-old at the time of the offense if they are charged with murder. The current statute states that individuals who are younger than 19 may be tried as youthful offenders.

“If they are charged with murder, under this bill they would not be eligible to be a youthful offender,” Pettus told members of the committee during the meeting. “This only has to do if they are charged. They have to be charged with murder for this to kick in.”

Pettus said his legislation leaves the court process largely untouched. Defendants would still proceed through a trial if they choose.

Democrats on the committee were united against the legislation and voted against it.

Some raised concerns with separation of powers, because typically, the judge has the discretion to determine eligibility for youthful offender status.

“Now we are making it where we are taking it all out of the judge’s hand about making the decision,” said Rep. Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery.

Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville had the same concerns.

“You are really talking about the judicial branch, what they can and cannot do,” he said. “You are legislating this.”

The legislation shifts the decision away from the judge to prosecutors who determine charges.

Some lawmakers asked how the bill would affect those who became entangled in the actions of another person.

“One person murdered someone, but there were four people in the car,” said Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika. “Usually when that happens, they all get charged with murder, right? I have seen it plenty of times.”

Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

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A very dry September forecast with hot afternoons ahead for Alabama.

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4 days ago

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September 14, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WVTM 13 News – 2025-09-14 06:30:35

SUMMARY: Alabama faces a very dry September with hot afternoons continuing through the last week of summer before the autumnal equinox. Sunday begins comfortably cool in the 60s, warming to low 90s by mid-afternoon under mostly sunny skies. A weak wave may bring a few showers tonight, mainly to northwest Alabama, but widespread rain is unlikely. Temperatures will remain above average, hitting mid-90s Tuesday and Wednesday. By next weekend, a trough and front may increase cloud cover and rain chances slightly, potentially lowering temperatures closer to average. Overall, the forecast calls for persistent dry and warm conditions into next week.

A very dry September forecast with hot afternoons ahead for Alabama.

WVTM13 is your home for Alabama breaking news and weather. For your latest Alabama news and weather visit: https://www.wvtm13.com/

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Huntsville Fire & Rescue Holds 9/11 Memorial Service | Sept. 11, 2025 | News 19 at 5 p.m.

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6 days ago

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September 11, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WHNT News 19 – 2025-09-11 17:29:41

SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, Huntsville Fire & Rescue held a memorial service to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Military members and first responders gathered at Huntsville Fire Station One, where at 7:46 a.m., lights, sirens, and air horns sounded to replicate the sounds heard during the attacks. Fire Chief Howard McFarland emphasized the importance of remembering the tragedy to educate younger generations and prevent history from repeating. Former Captain Lynn recalled the shock of witnessing the attacks and noted how 9/11 reshaped emergency preparedness. This annual event is held across all 20 Huntsville fire stations.

The Huntsville Fire & Rescue held a 9/11 memorial service.

News 19 is North Alabama’s News Leader! We are the CBS affiliate in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley since November 28, 1963.

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News 5 NOW at 8:00am | September 11, 2025

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6 days ago

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September 11, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WKRG – 2025-09-11 08:31:10

SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, News 5 NOW covered 9/11 commemorations, including first responders climbing 2,000 steps at Hancock Whitney Stadium to honor the World Trade Center’s 110 stories. The Original Oyster House offered free meals to first responders in Mobile and Baldwin counties. The program also reported a new Vibrio bacterial infection case in Escambia County, highlighting health warnings for beachgoers. Additionally, they discussed a study linking chronic insomnia to increased dementia risk, election recounts in Gulf Shores, and a recent political shooting in Utah, sparking debate over harsher punishments for political violence. Viewer opinions on extraterrestrials and political violence were shared in an interactive social media segment.

First Responders in Mobile honored the heroes of September 11th, a Pensacola woman is in the hospital after being infected with the flesh eating bacteria vibrio vulnificus, and a vote re-count wrapped up in Gulf Shores…

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