A $5,000 reward has been offered by the Governor's Office for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Bear Creek resident Gregory Mark Lawler (age 34).

Mr. Lawler's body was found at his residence on October 29, 2003.  He died as the result of a gun shot wound.

If you have any information, please call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at (205) 921-4333 or our office at (205) 921-7403. All calls will be kept confidential.

A reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Marion County store owner Dexter Long.

Mr. Long was killed just outside of his grocery store on County Road 56 in the Shotsville Community in the early morning hours of December 18, 1997.

If you have any information, please call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at (205) 921-7433 or our office at (205) 921-7403. All calls will be kept confidential.

A reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murders of Winston County residents Elmer and Joette Thrasher.

The Thrashers were killed on the night of December 10, 2001 in their home on Alabama Highway 195 in the Forkville community.

If you have any information, please call the Winston County Sheriff's Office at (205) 489-2115 or our office at (205) 489-2235. All calls will be kept confidential.

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We know that if is often inconvenient to be a witness in a court proceeding. However, the service that you provide is invaluable.

If you are subpoenaed by the State of Alabama to testify in a case, please review the following suggestions several times to assist you in testifying. They will make your court appearance easier and more effective.

• You are sworn to tell the truth. Tell it!
• Speak clearly. A court reporter needs to take down everything you say, so it is important to speak clearly. This is also very important in a jury trial. Avoid distracting mannerisms. While taking the oath, stand upright, pay attention, and speak clearly. Do not nod your head for a "yes" or "no." Speak so the court reporter can hear you.
• Listen carefully to the questions.
• If you do not understand the question, ask to have it repeated. If it is an improper question, an attorney will object.
• If either attorney or the judge makes an objection, STOP until the judge tells you to continue.
• If you don’t want to answer a question, do not ask the judge whether you must answer it. If it is an improper question, the prosecutor will take it up with the judge. Never ask the judge for advice.
• Dress appropriately. Court is a serious matter, and you should dress neatly. Shorts, tank tops, T-shirts or clothing with offensive language or designs are not appropriate courtroom attire. A neat appearance and proper dress are important. Contact our office if you have any questions about what is appropriate for court.
• Do not lose your temper or use foul language.
• Never argue with the defense attorney.
• Unless certain, don’t say, "Nothing else happened." Instead say, "That’s all I recall."
• Answer only the question asked. Do not volunteer information not asked for. However, you may explain your answer, if necessary. If a question can’t be answered truthfully with a "yes" or "no," you have the right to explain your answer.
• Testify only to the facts you observed or know.
• Do not speculate or give your personal opinion unless asked to do so.
• When being questioned by defense counsel, don’t look at the prosecutor or judge for help.
• If your answer was not correctly stated, then correct it immediately. If you are not sure, do not guess.
• When coming from the witness stand after testifying, wear a confident expression, but do not smile or appear downcast. After being excused from the stand, do not discuss the case in halls, restrooms or anywhere you could be overheard.
• If you are asked if you've discussed the case before court, tell the truth. There is nothing to hide.
• Your behavior out of the courtroom is as important as your behavior in the courtroom.
• If you have children, arrange for childcare before you come to court. Children should not be brought to court unless they are included on a subpoena.

If you have any other questions about being a witness, please call our Victim Services Officer in your county, Myra Hubbert (Marion Conty) or Dana Sutherland (Winston County). She can be reached at the phone number listed below.