DA, sheriff, chief address recent murder convictions
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker, along with Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta on Monday April 24, 2023, held a press conference to address two murder convictions Crocker’s office obtained Thursday, April 20.
Thomas Leon McClellan was convicted of murder for the Jan. 27, 2021, slaying of his wife, Tammy McClellan of Arkadelphia.
Brett Steven Amerson’s conviction stemmed from a hit-and-run crash on Dec. 18, 2018, that took the life of Bradley Ray Patterson, 39, of Holly Pond.
Crocker noted the significance of this week being National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“The purpose of this meeting today is to highlight the victims and also to highlight the efforts of our local law enforcement, who I’m proud to stand here with today,” he said.
When speaking about the Amerson verdict, Crocker spoke about Patterson’s family. “Even though this was a win in terms of getting a conviction,” he said, “there are no winners in a case like that because of the tremendous loss which the Patterson family will carry with them even after these court proceedings are over, and we stand with them.”
Of the McClellan case, he said, “Tommy McClellan was found guilty of murdering his wife, Tammy, in their home. It was a cold, callous, senseless crime. We came to know Tammy’s family – her children, her siblings – and so many people, her co-workers, people who her life touched, and we stand with her family as well.”
Crocker expressed how grateful he is that his office, the Cullman Police Department and the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office work well together.
Gentry closed the press conference reminding everyone about the victims.
“This week is really about victims. It’s something that has always been a priority for our office. A lot of times people forget about the victims,” he said.
“The end result is that you give the family a little bit of justice. That’s what law enforcement is about,” said Gentry. “That’s what the district attorney’s office is about. That’s what the police department is about – bringing peace.”
For more information about the Patterson conviction: www.cullmantribune.com/2023/04/20/murder-conviction-in-2018-hit-and-run-death-of-holly-ponds-bradley-ray-patterson
For more information about the McClellan conviction: www.cullmantribune.com/2023/04/20/jury-convicts-thomas-mcclellan-of-murder
Copyright 2023 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
