CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County District Court, with Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas as authorized acting district judge on behalf of District Judge Rusty Turner, on Monday found that probable cause exists to send the murder case of Charles Patrick Wayne Burgess to a Cullman County Grand Jury. Burgess is charged with the Apr. 13, 2019 shooting death of Tommy Piper in Piper’s home on Dripping Springs Road Northwest in Cullman.
Cullman Police Investigator Eric Cole detailed the police investigation of the shooting, and told the judge that ammunition found in the hotel room where Burgess was apprehended matched a shell casing found at the scene in brand and caliber, and that forensic evidence linked the shell casing to a firearm found in Burgess’ room.
Burgess now faces additional charges of burglary. An investigation led by Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Trevor Clemmons linked Burgess to burglaries at Smith Lake Park of campers belonging to Clark Loggins, Andrew Stinson, Kristy Cargal and Christy Timeo on Dec. 8, 2018. DNA matching Burgess’ was allegedly found in one of the campers, and a combination of pawn shop records and security camera footage allegedly show Burgess in possession of specific items reported stolen. In these cases, Burgess faces four charges of third-degree burglary.
Nicholas declined to consider a request by Burgess to modify his bail to a minimal property bond. The defendant remains in custody.
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