In the quiet community of Crossroads in Bay Minette, Alabama, Joseph Elmer 'Buddy' Broughton was a familiar and respected figure. At 74 years old, the long-time owner of Broughton's Gas Station and Convenience store was a well-known member of the community. On the evening of October 7, 2016, the tranquility of his home on County Road 138 was shattered.
It was Broughton's wife who made the grim discovery. Around 8:40 p.m., she found her husband unconscious and immediately called for help.
When medical units arrived, they pronounced Broughton deceased at the scene. It was soon discovered that he had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The news of his violent death sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, leaving friends and family in disbelief.
The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office immediately launched a homicide investigation into the death of the beloved local business owner. As days turned into weeks, and then months, the search for the person or persons responsible for Broughton's murder continued. By March of 2017, with no arrests made, the Sheriff's Office announced a $5,000 reward for any information that would lead to an arrest and conviction in the case.
Despite the ongoing investigation and the financial incentive for information, the case of Joseph 'Buddy' Broughton's murder grew cold. As of the latest available information, no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested in connection with his death. The community was left to mourn the loss of a man described as a friend to many, while the question of who took his life remains unanswered.
