City won t say how it’s paying for legal fees of Huntsville police officer convicted of murder
Alabama law says a court appointed attorney could only charge a maximum fee of $4,000. The city approved more than 30 times that amount.
Posted: May 18, 2021 4:10 PM
Updated: May 18, 2021 6:12 PM
Posted By: Alex Torres-Perez
WAAY 31 is working to get answers on how your tax dollars are being spent toward the defense of a Huntsville police officer convicted of murder.
The Huntsville City Council approved $125,000 for William Darby’s defense. We wanted to know from where in the city budget that money is being pulled.
On Friday, May 7, 2021, a Madison County jury found Huntsville Police Officer William Darby guilty of murder.
Huntsville backs mental health program after fatal police shooting
Updated 11:53 AM;
Today 11:53 AM
Huntsville police officer William Ben Darby took the stand in his own defense during his murder trial at the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Huntsville, Ala. on May 5, 2021.Lee Roop | lroop@al.com
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Leaders in an Alabama city have agreed to support establishment of a new mental health crisis program.
Huntsville City Council members voted unanimously Thursday to back a diversion center that could help people experiencing mental difficulties. The center would be a project of the city, its police and WellStone Behavioral Health.
The vote came days after officer William Darby was convicted of murder in the killing of Jeffrey Parker. The man called 911 in 2018 saying he intended to kill himself. Two other officers talked with Parker as he held a gun to his own head, and evidence showed Darby entered the scene and shot the man after he failed to drop the weapon.
Heated city council meeting as community calls for accountability following officer s murder conviction
Several people called for the police chief and mayor to resign.
Posted: May 13, 2021 11:15 PM
Posted By: Alex Torres-Perez
It was a heated city council meeting Thursday night as people in the community called for accountability and a change in leadership. This comes after a Huntsville police officer William Darby was convicted of murder and then placed on paid administrative leave. I feel betrayed by a city that I have loved and I believed in and I have tried so, so hard to serve, one person said. After seeing your reactions and reading your statements about the murder conviction of Darby, I now know you do not care about my life or others who struggle with mental health, another added.