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.
Masks not required for vaccinated people in Huntsville government buildings, city announces
Updated 10:04 PM;
People vaccinated for COVID-19 will no longer have to wear masks or socially distance in government buildings or offices in Huntsville starting Monday, the city announced Friday.
The decision comes a day after the CDC said it was safe for fully vaccinated people to not wear masks indoors in most cases.
“This is a sign that hopefully we are moving beyond the pandemic and getting back to a sense of normalcy,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said in a statement. “I strongly encourage anyone who has not been vaccinated to do so as soon as you can.”
Huntsville civic group calls for police chief s resignation
A Huntsville civic group and a state lawmaker turned the pressure up on Huntsville leaders over their statements supporting a police officer convicted of murder.
Posted: May 13, 2021 7:44 PM
Updated: May 13, 2021 8:13 PM
Posted By: Bridget Divers
We heard from the group about their push for changes in policing.
Rosa Parks Day Committee members of Huntsville-Madison County along with State Rep. Anthony Daniels spoke out in downtown Huntsville. They want the police chief to renounce his support of William Darby following his murder conviction for a fatal shooting while answering a call.
The group made the same demand for Mayor Tommy Battle. They say he gave them a revised statement, saying he respects the jury’s decision and Darby’s right to appeal.
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