Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 8 comments | Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Man convicted in arson deaths of man, toddler
Originally published 06:05 p.m., November 4, 2009
Updated 06:19 p.m., November 4, 2009
James Linden Sheffield, 28, was convicted Wednesday in the deaths of a Maplesville man and his young son.
A Chilton County jury found Sheffield guilty of murder in the slaying of Charles “Chucky” Edward Morrow II. He was also convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter in the death of 3-year-old Charles Edward Morrow III.
Morrow and his son were killed after their one-story wood frame home on County Road 802 was set on fire around 8 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2003. The eldest Morrow was found slumped over the boy as if he were trying to shield him from the flames, investigators said.
Prosecutors alleged that Sheffield set the blaze after a disagreement with Morrow over missing bulldog puppies.
“This case was extremely important to the district attorney’s office,” said James Houts, chief assistant district attorney. “We are grateful that the jury was able to see that James Sheffield ended the life of a young boy over a pack of dogs. It was the right verdict.”
Houts also thanked the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the investigation and collecting evidence.
Sheffield’s attorney Robert Bowers declined to comment after the verdict, saying it was his longtime policy not to discuss cases with the media.
Sheffield was arrested in July 2007. He should appear before Circuit Judge John Bush for sentencing on Dec. 10.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by PrAaHe (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Morrow and his son were killed after their one-story wood frame home on County Road 802 was set on fire around 8 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2009"
So does this mean it hasnt happened yet?
Just messin'
Posted by my2cents (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't remember this tragedy, but it is absolutely heartbreaking. Especially about the father being found slumped over his son as if he were trying to protect him. My heart goes out to the victims' family.
Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank goodness the district attorney didn't throw any evidence into the pond on this case. LOL
Perhaps he shoudl get out of his comfy office in Wetumpka and try a case here on occassion.
I understood Mr. Bowers did a fine job with what he had to deal with.
My sincere condolences to the victim's family.
Posted by TNseger (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this the Robert Bowers who was District Judge for so long
Posted by MommyX2 (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't imagine what the family of the victims must be going through. I am so very sorry for your loss. As for Mr. Sheffield......well I personally believe in the saying " an eye for and eye." I hope you see the faces of those two innocent victims EVERY time you close your eyes!
Posted by larry (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bowers Jr is correct.
Posted by certdenied (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The ADA's comment was strange? Have you ever tried to convince a jury of 12 people that a human being is capable of setting a fire that claims the lives of two people because he was upset over some puppies? Don't you think you'd be grateful for people who are willing to overcome the initial thought that "no one can be that cruel and depraved" and see through to the reality that this man is just that depraved and cruel?
BTW- What if the victim's family chose not to make a comment? What if the State decided to let them speak for themselves?
Posted by Likeitreallymatters (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KW has worked in every profession that has ever been. ...even the oldest profession ;)
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)