Latest Victims
Josie Renee McClenney
Birth: September 14, 1996
Death: March 29, 2020
Obituary
Ms. Josie McClenney, age 23, of Headland, Alabama, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Josie was born on September 14, 1996 in Dothan, Alabama, the daughter of Jennifer McClenney and Billy Nix. She was preceded in death by her mother; her step-father, Scotty Paul Strickland, Sr.; grandparents, William McClenney and Betty Williams; 2 aunts Gwen McClenney and Frankie Strickland.
Left to cherish her memories are: father, Billy Nix (Jessica); 2 brothers, Scotty Strickland, Jr., Billy Nix, Jr.; 2 sisters, Briana Strickland (Henry), Emily Nix; grandmothers, Anna Strickland, Sandra Williams; nephew, Elijah Stokes; cousins, Mary Faircloth, Wade Lecroy, Jonathon Lecroy, Tina Lecroy, Lashanda Cota, Greg Cota, Jodi Pate, Clint Dykes, Myra Nolan, Jacob Pate; and many more extended family.
Josie was a loving, kind woman who loved helping people. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Criminal News
Eufaula man arrested in Headland homicide; victim identified
HEADLAND — A Eufaula man has been arrested and charged in the murder of a Headland woman whose body was discovered in her apartment Sunday with multiple stab wounds after neighbors notified police they were concerned about her whereabouts.
Stephon Arkel Walton, 23, is charged in the homicide of Josie Renee McClenney, 23. Police said McClenney and Walton were involved in an “off-and-on” relationship for a long period of time.
The Headland Police Department and the Henry County Coroner’s Office are still investigating the crime scene at Greentree Apartments after residents notified police about a neighbor’s well-being.
According to Headland police Chief Mark Jones, several residents were worried about McClenney, who they had not seen in some time, and a foul odor was reported coming from McClenney’s apartment.
“Officers arrived on scene to find a female victim in her early 20s stabbed to death in her apartment,” Jones said. “At this time, it appears the victim was stabbed multiple times. We believe, at this time, the victim had been dead for three to four days. Additional testing will be conducted, due to the condition of the body.”
Read article on DothanEagle.com
Ja'Lexius Lashon Wells
Birth: August 30, 2002
Death: November 20, 2022
Obituary
Ja'Lexius Wells, born on August 30, 2002, departed and went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2022.
Ja 'Lexius was a pure, rich soul. There was never a moment when she was present, and a smile was nowhere to be found. She kept a room lit with happiness and filled with love and laughter. Ja 'Lexius was deeply passionate about many, many things, but her favorites were her niece, her family, and her nails. From a very young age, she would sit for hours painting her fingernails and toenails. She was planning to pursue a career in nails.
Next, her niece. Ja 'Lexius loved her niece more than anything. She would sit and play with her for hours on end. She was also passionate about her family. “Lex” always made sure we were okay. Anything she had that we needed was ours too. Not one moment went by without Lex making sure her family was okay. Lex was so loving and that resulted in her having many, many friends.
Lex always lended her ears and heart to her friends who were feeling down and needed support and motivation. One thing Lex had that she never hesitated to use was that big heart she has. No matter how much she was going through, she always put a smile on her face and pushed through. Lex was also an extremely hard worker. No matter the conditions, she made sure she was at work on time each shift she was expected to be present for. Like anywhere else, she lit up her workplace with her positivity and loving, welcoming, heartwarming smile. Her smile was so beautiful and could be spotted a million miles away. On your worst day, she could simply smile and turn your entire day around.
Ja’lexius leaves to cherish her loving memories to her mother: Beatrice Hornsby; father: Jimmy Lee Wells; three sisters: Shaundre Hornsby, Litiana Wells, Keyosha Sheridan; and one brother, Jumetre Wells and her niece Khelani Harper all of Enterprise, AL; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and host of other relatives and friends.
Services
VISITATION
Friday
December 2, 2022
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Coleman Funeral Home
701 Daleville Avenue
Enterprise, AL 36330
FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
December 3, 2022
11:00 AM
St Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
121 S. Carroll St.
Enterprise, AL 36330
Criminal News
Police identify 14-year-old suspect in Dothan double murder
by: Richard Everett
Posted: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
Updated: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — During an investigation into the double murder of two Dothan women, police have identified a teenage suspect, per Dothan Police Department.
According to a press release, the suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Vincent Lamar Oliver Jr., of Dothan. Authorities say Oliver is wanted for two counts of capital murder.
Daughter of Hartselle ‘murder-for-hire’ suspect plead for her release
The teen has been accused in the murders of 21-year-old Jasmine Danielle Bean, and 20-year-old Ja’Lexius Lashon Wells.
Bean and Wells were both shot to death in a Dothan home Sunday night, where police believe there was a gathering at the home.
Police add that Oliver has active juvenile pickup orders of attempted assault first-degree and one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, both of which occurred in July 2022.
According to a court order, no additional information on Oliver can be released at this time.
Jasmine Danielle Bean
Birth: June 27, 2001
Death: November 20, 2022
Obituary
Jasmine Danielle Bean passed away on November 20, 2022;
She was born on June 27. 2001 in Dothan Alabama. Jasmine was baptized at Parks Chapel AME Church and was an active member in the Young Peoples Division, Youth Choir, Praise Dance Team, Junior Stewardess Board, and Junior Usher Board.
Jasmine was a lively, beautiful spirited young lady who loved God, her family and her friends.
Preceding her in death: is her beloved grandfather, Reverend David Beacham.
She leaves to cherish her memory to her parents: Priscilla Bean and Ronnie Knight, (Catherine R. Warren; her amazing daughter: Azalea Monae Bean; siblings: Christopher (Crystal) Bean, Bruce Bean, Amber Warren, Deshawn Badger and Anna Lopez; nieces/nephews: Payton, Damien, Nolyn, Tamara, Keiley and Levi; grandmother: Mrs. Clara Beacham; special parents: Morris (Evelyn) affectionately called Papa & Tee Tee, Chip Cody and Labrenda Cody. A host of additional aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
Police identify 14-year-old suspect in Dothan double murder
by: Richard Everett
Posted: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
Updated: Nov 21, 2022 / 02:59 PM CST
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — During an investigation into the double murder of two Dothan women, police have identified a teenage suspect, per Dothan Police Department.
According to a press release, the suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Vincent Lamar Oliver Jr., of Dothan. Authorities say Oliver is wanted for two counts of capital murder.
Daughter of Hartselle ‘murder-for-hire’ suspect plead for her release
The teen has been accused in the murders of 21-year-old Jasmine Danielle Bean, and 20-year-old Ja’Lexius Lashon Wells.
Bean and Wells were both shot to death in a Dothan home Sunday night, where police believe there was a gathering at the home.
Police add that Oliver has active juvenile pickup orders of attempted assault first-degree and one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, both of which occurred in July 2022.
According to a court order, no additional information on Oliver can be released at this time.
Layla Rebecca Watson
Birth: September 15, 2003
Death: April 6, 2021
Obituary
Miss Layla Rebecca Watson, age 17 of Andalusia, passed away on Tuesday April 6th, 2021. Funeral services for Miss Layla will be held at 2PM Saturday April 10th, 2021 with a 30 minute visitation prior to services at Cedar Grove Church of Christ with Minister Larry Turman officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:30PM Friday April 9th at Foreman Funeral Home.
She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon Watson of Andalusia; sisters, Lana and Lyla Watson of Andalusia; maternal grandparents, Morris and Rita Mullen of Andalusia; paternal grandmother, Deborah Watson of Andalusia; maternal great-grandparents Jimmy and Madge Cobb of Andalusia; paternal great-grandmother Joyce Watson; three uncles and one aunt, Josh (Kim) Mullen, Brant Mullen, Sam Watson, and Brittany Watson, all of Andalusia.
Pallbearers will be Jonathon Watson, Sam Watson, Bailey Faulkner, Josh Mullen, Brant Mullen, and Jacob Howard.
Those wishing to sign the online guest registry may do so online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.
Andalusia man found guilty for 2021 killing of teen
Published: Nov. 19, 2020 at 10:01 AM EST
By Ty Storey
Published: Aug. 25, 2023 at 5:12 PM EDT
ANDALUSIA, Ala. (WTVY) - An Andalusia man has been found guilty by a Covington County jury in connection with the 2021 death of a 17-year-old girl.
Following a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour when they found 19-year-old Damien Lashawn Beasley guilty of Manslaughter, Abuse of a Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Evidence presented during the trial painted a picture of what happened on the morning of April 6, 2021. According to court records, a then 17-year-old Beasley, the incident’s victim Layla Watson, and two others, Brayden Awalt and Robert Jones, were hanging out together at Awalt’s grandmother’s home. While hanging out in the backyard, Awalt retrieved a shotgun and gave it to Beasley, with differing reports from Awalt and Jones saying Beasley was either being casual with the gun or potentially erratic while standing near Layla.
Both Jones and Awalt say Layla’s last words to or referring to Beasley were either “He’s alright. It won’t shoot,” or “You won’t shoot.” In either case, neither Awalt or Jones testified that Beasley pointed the gun at Layla, but they did confirm they heard the shotgun being shot, and looked up to see Layla on the ground and Beasley still holding the gun. Beasley and Awalt then dug a hole beneath the privacy fence and drug Layla’s body to the woods adjacent to the home’s backyard, and hid her beneath a fallen tree, discarding the shotgun in the woods as well and fleeing the scene.
Jones did not assist in hiding the body or shotgun, and instead left the scene immediately and went to Andalusia Police claiming that he “witnessed a murder,” with Jones later changing his tone during the trial to claim the incident was an accident, but admitting that wasn’t what he told law enforcement.
Following a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour when they found 19-year-old Damien Lashawn Beasley (pictured) guilty of Manslaughter, Abuse of a Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Andalusia Captain Paul Dean testified in court that he found Layla’s body and the shotgun in the woods, the gun being a Stephens 620 12-gauge military shotgun. Dean, a firearms instructor and recognized during the trial as a firearms expert, said he inspected the weapon and found all safety mechanisms and internal parts of the weapon were in working order, despite the gun being old and dirty with a broken stock and ejector. Dean also tested the firearm and confirmed the firearm to be in safe, working order.
Originally, Beasley was tried for the crime of Murder, with the only witnesses for the case being Jones and Awalt. Awalt, like Jones in trial, told jurors that he believed the shooting to be “an accident,” but also admitted to Beasley holding the gun and “waving it around.” Beasley, for his defense, did not testify on his own behalf.
“It was our position that squeezing the trigger constituted Murder,” claimed District Attorney Walt Merrell. “There was no evidence of a misfire. The only logical conclusion to us was that he squeezed the trigger, and, therefore, we proceeded with the prosecution of Murder.”
“Beasley’s lawyer (Riley Powell) tried to convince the jury that Beasley was ‘a 17-year-old who had never held a shotgun in his life’ and that Layla’s death was ‘a tragic accident,” noted Grace Jeter, the primary prosecutor for the State. “The jury heard the evidence and found that it showed he was acting recklessly as opposed to intentionally. We have to respect their decision.”
Layla’s mother, Marcie Watson, commented on the decision and said she remains very appreciative of the community support and the support her family received from the DA’s Office and Andalusia Police.
“From Gene and Brett (Holmes) always being there to listen to me, to Grace fighting hard for Layla, to Amber (Gladwell) and Erin (Wilson) always making sure we were comfortable and not stressed any more than what we already were…everyone fought so hard for Layla and never stopped,” said Watson. “From the first time I sat in Walt’s office, he told me Layla would get justice.
“It might not be in the time I wanted it, but it would happen. I was told from day one by a good friend to keep fighting the good fight. And that’s what I’ve done. I will never get Layla back, but I know she is smiling down on us now.”
Beasley’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 25. Merrell has said the prosecution will ask Judge Lex Short to sentence Beasley “to the maximum sentences for each conviction and to run those sentences consecutively,” which would be 31 years of prison time.
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Other news links:
https://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2022/06/24/murder-suspect-in-court-for-bond-revocation-hearing/
https://gunmemorial.org/2021/04/06/layla-watson