27-05-2025
Murder victim's father speaks out about friend, suspect charges dropped
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — It's a sigh of relief for Gary Corbitt, a grieving father who lost his daughter, Brittany Corbitt, in a 2022 drive-by shooting, after Corbitt's best friend, Jayden Thomas, who was once a suspect, had her charges dropped by a grand jury last week.
'I'm just glad we got with the district attorney's office,' Corbitt said. 'There was not enough evidence to find her guilty or convict her, so maybe now we can all get a little rest.'
Thomas was one of four charged with capital murder and attempted murder — spending over two years in jail while maintaining her innocence.
'Like she was talking about the threats, it went both ways, I was getting threats also because of her being in jail,' He said.
However, Corbitt ultimately played a pivotal role in freeing his daughter's best friend, who was only the driver of the targeted car that was shot at on Ozark Road in Newville.
He says it was hard to believe that someone in their right mind would be willing to risk their lives in danger.
'I discussed it several times with the DA's office, looked at several times along with the phone records, and just couldn't come up with a solution, no need to send an innocent person to prison for something they did not do,' He said.
Now three suspects are going through court proceedings and awaiting trial.
'We're just looking for justice for my daughter, Brittany,' He said.
Corbitt says his family has been feeling empty without her in their lives over the last few years especially during holidays.
'If she was around, I would probably be off today barbecuing or something she was always the last one to show up and everyone is like where is brittany?
Corbitt says while he is glad one part of the case is over, he believes this situation could be a learning experience.
'Watch your surroundings, its easy to get in trouble but hard to get out of, be to yourself sometimes it pays to stay home,' He said.
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