In the quiet community of Florence, Alabama, a tragic event unfolded on March 17, 2014, ending the life of 41-year-old Joanna Elizabeth Strickland Butler. On that day, she and another woman, 57-year-old Clo Ann Taylor Stoner, were found murdered. The crime, which also involved the death of Butler's small dog, took place in Lauderdale County, just outside the city limits of Florence.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led authorities to a suspect, Mark Edwin Montgomery.
Following the discovery of the women's bodies, Montgomery led deputies on a 45-minute car chase before being taken into custody. Evidence found on his clothing and the murder weapon discovered in his vehicle linked him to the crime. He was subsequently charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of aggravated animal cruelty. An eyewitness to the murders, Montgomery's own sister, Sarah Montgomery, later provided a statement about the events.
Initially, Mark Montgomery pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental defect. However, as the case was approaching a lengthy capital murder trial scheduled to begin in May 2016, his attorneys presented an offer for a guilty plea. After consultation with the families of both victims, the prosecution accepted the offer. On May 4, 2016, Mark Montgomery pleaded guilty to capital murder for the killings of Joanna Strickland Butler and Clo Stoner. In doing so, he avoided the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
