FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
January 24, 2013
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Page 1 of 1
AG ANNOUNCES CONVICTION FOR ANDALUSIA MURDER;
KILLER SENTENCED TO LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE
MONTGOMERY – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that an
Andalusia man has been convicted and sentenced to life without parole for a 2009
killing. Michael Dayle Barbaree, 31, yesterday pleaded guilty in Covington County
Circuit Court to the murder of Travis Denton Sasser.
Barbaree had been living in an apartment at the Sasser residence. On May 14,
2009, Barbaree entered Sasser’s home, allegedly stealing items including a pistol and
money. Barbaree beat Sasser to death with a hammer, then attempted to burn the
house and left Sasser’s bedridden wife trapped inside. After a caregiver arrived and
called for help, Merita Ann Sasser was taken to a hospital and later died. Travis
Denton Sasser was 75 and Merita Ann Sasser was 71.
Barbaree was indicted in September of 2009 for the Sasser murder. His
extensive criminal history includes eight prior felony convictions for burglary,
forgery, theft, escape and other crimes, all in Covington County.
“This was a savage attack that cost the lives of an elderly couple,” said
Attorney General Strange. “It is appropriate that he spend the rest of his own life in
prison, without the possibility of parole or the opportunity to harm anyone else.”
Attorney General Strange commended those who handled the investigation
and prosecution of this case, noting in particular Assistant Attorneys General John
Gibbs and Tina Hammonds and the Attorney General’s Criminal Trials Division;
Special Agents of the Attorney General’s Investigations Division; and the Covington
County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
