In the summer of 2015, a quiet community in Bibb County, Alabama, was shattered by a brutal act of violence that claimed the life of 30-year-old Kandi Murphy Crocker. On the afternoon of July 21st, her life was cut short when a man emerged from the woods behind her sister's home and forever altered the course of many lives. The man, identified as John Barry Hubbard, was the ex-boyfriend of Kandi's sister, Tammy Carpenter. In the moments that unfolded, he unleashed a deadly assault that would leave one sister dead and the other abducted.
Hubbard, armed with two guns, entered the Brent residence and, in the presence of Kandi's young daughter, shot Kandi multiple times. Despite her grave injuries, Kandi was able to make a desperate call to 911, identifying her attacker and stating that she was dying. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, she once again named Hubbard as the man who had shot her. Tragically, Kandi Murphy Crocker was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, Hubbard abducted Tammy Carpenter, forcing her from the home after striking her in the head with a firearm. He took her into the Ocmulgee National Forest in neighboring Hale County, where he held her against her will. The search for Hubbard and Carpenter ensued, and he was captured the following day. Hubbard ultimately pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The investigation also led to the arrest of another individual, Gary Wade Rowland, who was identified as Hubbard's cousin. Rowland was charged with hindering prosecution after it was discovered that he had assisted Hubbard in his attempt to evade capture. Rowland pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. The tragic death of Kandi Murphy Crocker left a lasting impact on her family and the community, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
