Three captured in slaying
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Within 24 hours of the slaying of Jimmy Huff, 43, of Alabaster, police had three people in custody and charged with the crime.
Capt. Curtis Rigney of the Alabaster Police Department
reported Friday that Terrain L. Mack, 20, of Greensboro, N.C., Jason Jefferson, 19, of Montevallo and a 17-year-old female, who was later identified as Stephanie Seay of Montevallo, were all charged with murder and bond set at $1 million each.
Rigney said from the investigation, police determined that it was the female who fired the shot. He also said a .38 caliber handgun was recovered by police.
Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owen said Seay was charged as an adult.
According to Owen, anyone over the age of 16 who commits a Class A felony is charged as an adult.
At presstime, all three suspects were still being held at the Shelby County Jail.
On Friday, Rigney explained what had occurred during the incident.
&uot;Huff was shot and killed at his residence in an apparent robbery attempt that took place early Thursday morning,&uot; he said.
He reported the crime took place around 5:30 a.m. and Huff, who was found dead at the scene, was shot at his residence located at 535 Fifth Ave. S.W. in Alabaster. He almost
reached a residence at 545 Fifth Ave. S.W.
before he fell.
Rigney said Huff was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the back.
According to Rigney, three individuals waited outside the Huff residence. He said two, armed with a gun, forced him back into the residence. He also said that at some point Huff tried to break free and was shot in the back.
Rigney thanked the Montevallo Police Department and Shelby County Drug Enforcement officers for their assistance in the case.
Rigney said he was not sure whether Huff knew the suspects, but the suspects knew of the victim indicating that police suspected they were looking for money.
Rigney said Huff had just left his residence when he was forced back inside. Once inside, police feel he attempted the escape.
Rigney said there were no witnesses to the crime, but people in the community had heard some things about the suspects.
He said of the attempted robbery, &uot;It might have been planned.&uot;
Rigney said detective followed leads, and two of the suspects were picked up in Montevallo.
Seay turned herself in to Alabaster Police.
Alabaster Mayor David Frings also had words of praise for the efficiency of the Alabaster Police Department.
He said
in less than 24 hours all suspects were in custody for questioning and charges filed.
Rigney described Huff as a paint and remodeling businessman