In the winter of 1977, a tragic event unfolded in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, forever altering the lives of those involved. Lillian Montgomery, a 62-year-old female shopkeeper, was found dead in her home on January 10th. She had been a friend and sponsor to James Barney Hubbard, a man recently released on parole after serving 19 years for a previous murder.
Hubbard had been living with Montgomery since his release in October 1976.
It was Hubbard himself who initially contacted the police, reporting that Montgomery had taken her own life while they were drinking whiskey together. However, the evidence at the scene told a much different and more violent story. Investigators discovered that Montgomery had been shot three times, once in the head, once in the shoulder, and once in the face. Further investigation revealed that she had also been robbed of approximately $500 in cash and checks, as well as a gold and diamond wristwatch.
The investigation quickly focused on Hubbard as the primary suspect. Gunpowder residue was found on both of his hands. In 1977, James Barney Hubbard was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Lillian Montgomery and was subsequently sentenced to death.
Hubbard's case went through decades of legal appeals, with his lawyers arguing that his advanced age and declining health, which included dementia, hepatitis, and cancer, should prevent his execution. Despite these efforts, a final appeal for a stay of execution was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court. On August 5, 2004, at the age of 74, James Barney Hubbard was executed by lethal injection, more than 27 years after he had murdered Lillian Montgomery.
