FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
March 12, 2012
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
COURT UPHOLDS AUTAUGA COUNTY MURDER CONVICTION
(MONTGOMERY)–Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday upheld the murder conviction of Joshua
D. Jones. Jones, 25, of Millbrook, was convicted in the Autauga County Circuit Court in
December of 2010 for the murder of Justin Rye.
Evidence was presented at trial regarding events that occurred when Jones and
his brother attended a “field party” located on County Road 69 in Autauga County. At
some point, fights broke out involving Jones, his brother and several others. During
one of these fights, Jones shot and killed the victim.
The case was prosecuted at the trial level by Autauga County District Attorney
Randall Houston’s office. Jones was sentenced to 24 years in prison for Justin Rye’s
murder. Jones subsequently sought to have his murder conviction reversed on appeal.
The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Division handled the case during the
appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm the
conviction. The Court did so on Friday, March 9.
Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Laura
Cuthbert of the Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Division for her successful work
in this case.
*For additional information regarding this case, a copy is attached of the Court of Criminal
Appeals’ decision.
–30–
501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
