‘Debilitating injury’ robbery suspects plead not guilty

Published 11:51 am Wednesday, September 24, 2014

By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 23-year-old Alabaster man and a 19-year-old Alabaster man have pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to allegations they caused debilitating injuries to a victim during a 2013 robbery.

Justin Crosier

Justin Crosier

In court documents filed in Shelby County Circuit Court on Sept. 8, 23-year-old Justin Crosier and 19-year-old Joshua Crosier, who both list an address in the 100 block of Shalimar Trace, entered not guilty pleas to felony counts of first-degree robbery and first-degree assault.

Joshua Crosier

Joshua Crosier

Joshua Corsier also has requested youthful offender status in the crimes. As of Sept. 24, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Dan Reeves had not yet ruled on the youthful offender request.

The Alabaster Police Department arrested Justin and Joshua Crosier, along with Donald Crosier and Alexander Berryhill, on Nov. 7, 2013 after responding to a Nov. 5 robbery in the 1100 block of First Avenue West.

According to Justin and Joshua Crosier’s indictments, which were filed in August, the suspects allegedly struck the victim with a gun, their fists and their feet while allegedly attempting to steal a .410-gauge shotgun and an Xbox 360 from the victim’s residence.

Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney previously said the suspects allegedly used a shotgun to assault – but not shoot – the victim in the case after the victim discovered the suspects in his house.

Rigney previously said the victim suffered “debilitating” injuries in the incident, and was treated and released from UAB Hospital.

Justin and Joshua Crosier are scheduled to appear in front of Circuit Court Judge Dan Reeves at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 for preliminary hearings.

Donald Crosier was indicted on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree assault in May, and is awaiting trial on the charges. Berryhill was indicted on the same charges in August, and currently is awaiting trial.