In the small town of Hurtsboro, Alabama, a beloved former mayor and auctioneer, John Carroll Williams, was fatally wounded in a senseless act of violence. The 74-year-old man was a customer at a local restaurant on March 7, 2018, when a gunman opened fire. Williams, along with the restaurant's owner, Donald Hughes, sustained critical injuries during the attack.
While Hughes died at the scene, Williams succumbed to his wounds three days later, on March 10, 2018.
The incident sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, where Williams was a well-known and respected figure. He had served as the mayor of Hurtsboro for 12 years and was a prominent auctioneer in the region. His death was mourned by many who remembered him for his contributions to the town and his friendly demeanor. The loss was deeply felt by his family and all who knew him.
In the wake of the shooting, law enforcement identified 64-year-old Walter Thomas as the suspect. He was subsequently arrested and faced serious charges in connection with the double homicide. Thomas was indicted by a grand jury on capital murder charges for his role in the deaths of both John Williams and Donald Hughes. He was taken into custody and held in the Russell County Jail.
