FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
January 21, 2015
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE ANNOUNCES INDICTMENT OF MAN
FOR 1997 MURDER OF HIS WIFE IN JACKSON COUNTY
(MONTGOMERY)–Attorney General Luther Strange announced the
indictment of a man for the 1997 murder of his wife, Michelle Townson
Whitton, in Jackson County. Barry Whitton, 46, formerly of Section, is
scheduled for arraignment on January 27.
Attorney General Strange’s Office presented evidence to a Jackson
County grand jury resulting in Whitton’s indictment* on December 10.
Specifically, the indictment charges that Whitton intentionally killed the victim
“by striking her in the head and causing blunt-force trauma.”
Anyone who may have information about the crime is urged to contact
the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit by calling 1-866-419-1236 or by emailing to
coldcasetips@ago.state.al.us.
No further information about the investigation or about Whitton’s
alleged crimes other than that stated in the indictment may be released at this
time.
If convicted, Whitton faces a penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment for
the Class A felony.
Attorney General Strange commended those who worked on this case,
noting in particular the Criminal Trials Division and Special Agents of the
Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit. He thanked the Jackson County Sheriff’s
Office.
*An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
