FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
October 26, 2016
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE ANNOUNCES COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
UPHOLDS HENRY COUNTY MURDER CONVICTION
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday upheld the murder conviction of
Gregory Rayshon Spann. Spann, 20, of Abbeville, was convicted in August of 2015 for
the murder of Tyric Brown.
Evidence was presented at trial that on the evening of April 13, 2013, a block
party was held at a club called the “Game Room” in Abbeville. While standing outside
the club, Spann and Brown got into an argument. After the men were separated, Brown
walked in the opposite direction. Spann along with others, ran toward Brown and
surrounded him. A physical altercation took place during which Spann stabbed Brown.
An autopsy determined that Brown died as a result of having received multiple stab
wounds.
The case was prosecuted at trial by Henry County District Attorney Doug Valeska’s
office. Spann was sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment for his murder conviction. He
subsequently sought to have his conviction reversed on appeal.
The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Section handled the case during the
appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm the
conviction. The Court did so in a decision issued on Friday, October 21.
Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Jean Webb
of the Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Section for her successful work in this case.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
