Capital murder and attempted murder suspects appear in court

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A capital murder suspect — and an attempted murder suspect — appeared for hearings at the Dallas County Courthouse Annex — Wednesday in Selma.

The case against one suspect came to a conclusion — while the case against the other suspect — is just getting started.

The firearm death rate in Alabama — is among the highest in the country according to the CDC.

Twenty-eight year old Javon Hall of Selma was shot in the parking lot in front of Hibbett Sports — and later died back in April.

Thirty-six year old Stephen Wood of Selma — is charged with capital murder in the case. In addition to four counts of shooting into an unoccupied building.

Judge Marvin Wiggins is considering whether or not Woods will be given a bond.

“Traditionally in Alabama, you’re not entitled to a bond under a capital case, except for a few extreme circumstances,” said DA Robert Turner, Jr.

“We did not feel like any of those circumstances existed.”

Richard Surles pled guilty to attempted murder — and 1st degree robbery.
Judge Collins Pettaway — sentenced Surles to a 20/5 year split sentence in that case.

“There is a mandatory provision of that sentence that has to be served in the state penitentiary. The 5 split is the mandatory portion,” said Turner.

“Upon his release he has 5 years of supervised probation. But then he still has the remainder of that 15 year sentence that he could possibly be called upon to serve if upon his release from the state penitentiary, he violates the terms of his probation.”

The judge in the capital murder case — did not make an immediate order concerning bond in the case.