Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger has died
Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger died late on Monday. The Autauga County Sheriff’s Department announced the news on social media: “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger. Please continue to pray for not only his family but his blue family as well. He will be greatly missed by all.” Sedinger had just entered his third term as Sheriff after being re-elected in the Republican primary in May. Sedinger worked with the Sheriff’s office for decades and was a beloved fixture in the community. “It is a solemn day among the entire law enforcement community within Alabama as we all mourn the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Sheriff Sedinger,” said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor. “On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sheriff Sedinger. He was a true professional and his dedication to serve the public will always be remembered. We recognize this is a devastating time for the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office as well as the entire community, which Sheriff Sedinger so faithfully served. As we continue to mourn alongside the law enforcement community, we also pray for Sheriff Sedinger’s family as they attempt to manage and cope with this terrible loss. Sheriff Sedinger’s courage, resolve, and never-ending bravery will continue to live on and provide us all with an example of a courageous servant’s heart. Along with sharing our sincerest condolences, we pledge to make all resources available to the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office as well as the surrounding community as they grieve this unfortunate and heartbreaking situation.” The county coroner takes over the role of Sheriff on an interim basis until the position can be filled. State Sen. Clyde Chambliss said on Facebook, “I am saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague Sheriff Joe Sedinger. I first met Joe in the early 90’s when we were both working on replacing the fuel tanks at the Sheriff’s office. He rose to be the top lawman in Autauga County. He was a Godly man, and I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven, worshiping our Lord and Savior. Well done Sheriff. Well done.” Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman said on Facebook, “It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger has passed away. Sheriff Sedinger is a good friend and a mentor of mine. He will be greatly missed. Please keep his family and the Autauga County Sheriffs Office in your prayers.” Sedinger said in his last Sheriff’s report on the official website, “As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to serve Autauga County with such an outstanding group of people. The deputies and administrative support staff at Autauga County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated, hard-working, and committed to serving our County’s citizens. To show them that you value them as much as I do, I encourage you to give them a friendly smile or a kind word to let them know you appreciate them as much as I do. I am truly fortunate to have them by my side.” “I would especially like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the citizens of Autauga County,” Sedinger wrote. “Your efforts to enhance safety and cooperation with our office help make our County a great place to live and work. I am grateful for your assistance through the crime tips hotline, website, and in person. I sincerely appreciate your commitment to the safety of our community. My commitment to the citizens of this County has never been more substantial. I will continue to work with you to improve the quality of life for each resident we serve. The support you’ve shown the Sheriff’s Office during 2022 has been overwhelming. I am very thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!” The cause of death has not been released, and funeral arrangements are still being finalized. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Court of Criminal Appeals upholds murder conviction of Covington County woman
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed the conviction of Zhanna Shaye Bolling, age 34, for murder. On November 3, 2021, Bolling was convicted in Covington County Circuit Court for the murder of Ed Foster. Her conviction was upheld by the Court on October 7, 2022. “Ms. Bolling intentionally fired the shot that eventually took the life of Ed Foster, and for her crime, she was sentenced to 30 years in prison,” said AG Marshall. “Despite Bolling’s efforts to appeal her guilty verdict, she cannot escape justice.” On April 5, 2019, a River Falls Police Department officer responded to a 911 call and found the victim, Ed Foster, still alive, lying in the middle of the street, and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head, Andalusia Star News reported. The officer testified that Foster told the officer that Bolling had shot him. Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman also arrived at the scene and spoke with Foster after he was transported to the hospital. The investigation later determined that Foster had been shot inside his house during an altercation with Bolling. The victim died approximately three weeks after he was shot. Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell’s office successfully prosecuted this case and obtained a guilty verdict. The lower court sentenced Bolling to thirty years imprisonment for her murder conviction. Bolling appealed her conviction to the Court of Criminal Appeals. The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Division handled the case during the appeals process, arguing that Bolling’s conviction was just. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed Bolling’s conviction o in a decision issued Friday, October 7, 2022. Marshall commended Assistant Attorney General Laura Irby Cuthbert for her successful work on the appeal. He thanked Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell and his staff for their assistance in defending the murder conviction. AG Marshall was appointed AG by then-Governor Robert Bentley in 2017. He was elected to his own term in the 2018 election. He is seeking a second term in the November 8 general election, where he faces Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
