Latest news with #ValleyPolice
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Driver gets 60 years for deadly Valley chase; WWII vet, his daughter, teen killed
VALLEY, Ala. (WRBL) – A 21-year-old man who led police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car—killing three people in a violent crash—has admitted his crimes in court. Now, he's been sentenced to decades behind bars, as victims' families grapple with grief and giving grace. Wesley McKinnon entered a blind plea to three counts of Reckless Murder, Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, and Receiving Stolen Property 1st Degree. His sentencing was on May 22 in a Chambers County courtroom. Inside the courtroom, emotions ran high as victims' families shared their pain before McKinnon was sentenced to 60 years in prison—that's 60 years for each reckless murder charge, plus 20 years for eluding police, and 20 more for receiving stolen property. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning McKinnon will serve a single 60-year term. He is expected to serve most of it—possibly until he's 81 years old. Presiding Circuit Judge William Isaac Whorton delivered a forceful rebuke during sentencing. 'You killed three innocent people just as if you had walked up and shot them in the head,' the judge said. 'What you did was so reckless, so beyond the pale—it must be punished as murder.' The deadly pursuit happened on December 28, 2023. Investigators say McKinnon stole a Kia at gunpoint in Union Springs, fled from Valley Police at speeds topping 100 MPH, and crashed into another car while driving in the wrong lane of U.S. Highway 29. The impact claimed the lives of: • Aron C. Haynes, 98, a World War II veteran who served in General Patton's Third Army • Regina Rutledge, 64, Haynes' daughter, who died days later from her injuries • Cadence Brown, 18, a passenger in McKinnon's vehicle The scene was devastating—twisted metal, bloodied airbags, and shattered glass stretched across the highway. First responders fought to save lives, but three families were changed forever. Chesley Rutledge lost both his mother and grandfather in the crash. 'He was such a good grandfather. And Mama? She protected me. I'm an only child. Nobody messed with me. I know she loved me, and I loved her. I'll miss her for the rest of my life,' Rutledge said. He describes his mother as a fierce protector, a devoted caregiver, and a proud grandmother who lived for her family. Regina, Chesley says, was always proud to help others—traits she inherited from her father, Aron, who had lovingly cared for his wife as she battled Alzheimer's until her death. 'I was blessed. I had good parents and good grandparents. I was raised in a good home,' he said. Despite his loss, Chesley speaks with remarkable compassion for the man responsible. 'I'd have been OK with 20 or 30 years for each one. He's just a kid and it got me thinking he probably had a hard road and he just chose the one the wrong road to go down. I don't hate him,' Rutledge said. 'Pop would've said: don't hold a grudge. Don't be mad at nobody. Stay close to your family.' He even believes McKinnon—if given the chance—might one day help others avoid the same path. 'I hope he does school in there and if he comes up for parole years down the road, maybe someone will speak on his behalf. Maybe I will. I don't know,' Rutledge said. 'Maybe he can share his story and keep another family from going through this.' Cadence Brown's mother also shared her heartbreak during the proceedings. She described her daughter as a bright, loving teen who had her whole life ahead of her. 'She was a light,' her mother said. 'How many people is he going to take from this world?' This wasn't McKinnon's first time running from police. At the time of the crash, he was already out on bond in Bullock County for an earlier fatal crash—also following a police pursuit. That case is still pending. McKinnon addressed the families in court, appearing remorseful. 'I'm very sorry,' he said. 'I hope you can forgive me one day.' McKinnon entered a blind plea—meaning he did not seek a deal or take the case to trial. His defense attorney said he admitted his wrongdoing from the beginning and never attempted to shift blame or minimize the outcome. His defense team described his background—a young man with an eighth-grade education, a special education student, and a history of drug use. They argued he never intended to kill anyone, only to get away. But that decision, prosecutors said, showed 'extreme indifference to human life' as they pushed for the maximum sentence, saying their hearts go out to the families—and made it clear: this kind of reckless disregard for life will not be tolerated in Chambers County. Chesley Rutledge said the people of Valley have wrapped around him in the aftermath. 'I had hundreds of phone calls and messages. I still have people checking on me,' he said. 'The Valley area has been good to me and my family.' As the courtroom emptied and McKinnon was led away to begin his 60-year sentence, the families left behind are still picking up the pieces. For Chesley Rutledge, the pain of losing both his mother and grandfather will never fade—but neither will their example of compassion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Family devastated after death of 'loving' teenager from Marlow
The family of an 18-year-old man who died in a car crash have described him as "a polite, kind, caring, funny, loving and hardworking young man".Drew Doolan, from Marlow, died following a collision with a tree on the A40 in Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, on 26 Valley Police said the HGV mechanic was pronounced dead at the scene.A statement from his parents said: "He was taken too soon at the age of 18, left a huge hole in our hearts, and has left our world shattered and our family incomplete." One of his three sisters described him as "the best brother I could have ever wished for". Two other males, aged 17 and 20, were taken to hospital with minor force said it was continuing to make inquiries on behalf of the tribute from Mr Doolan's parents continued: "He had a cheeky smile and an infectious laugh, he loved life and always had a positive outlook on life and took each day as it come."Drew was someone you could always rely on and was there when you needed him."I don't think he realised how well liked and loved he was as he wasn't good with receiving compliments due to him having ADHD and just took everything in his stride." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- BBC News
Thames Valley Police officer who pulled man from M40 honoured
An off-duty police officer who dragged an injured man from a busy lane of a motorway has been honoured with a bravery Valley Police's PC Henry Johnson was travelling home on the M40 from a shift in Maidenhead at 07:00 GMT on 14 January 2023 when the incident pulled over as he saw the man jump from a bridge on to the carriageway, before pulling him away from traffic on to the hard shoulder and providing first has been recognised with a Thames Valley Police Federation 2025 Bravery Award, which he will officially receive next week. Recalling the events, PC Johnson said it had been "raining, freezing cold and pitch black".He said he slowed down as he saw the man walking on a bridge because "something told me that it didn't look right"."My police intuition made me slow down, so I could see his face and see if he was alright." 'Life-saving hero' The man ignored PC Johnson's shouts to him, before climbing over the barrier and jumping on to the busy Johnson, who by this time had stopped and called his colleagues for support, ran into lane one, took hold of the man - who was seriously injured - and dragged him to safety."We were on the hard shoulder, with lorries whizzing past us," he said."I had to keep myself low down, and I just kept updating the control room and waited for officers to get there."Following the arrival of police and paramedics, the man was taken to hospital, where he remained for more than a month whilst Johnson said he felt "honoured" to receive the award."Loads of officers do really amazing things every day, but I always think that I just did what every other officer would do in that situation," he Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor added that PC Johnson was a "life-saving hero" who was "incredibly brave". You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
BBC News
22-04-2025
- BBC News
Woman arrested after pensioners body found in flat in Oxford
A woman has been arrested after the body of a pensioner was discovered at a tower Valley Police said the body of a woman in her 80s had been found in a flat at Plowman Tower, on Westlands Drive in Oxford, on Tuesday force said it had arrested a 68-year-old woman in connection with the has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult, and preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body. Police said the woman remained in custody. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
17-04-2025
- BBC News
Body of man found in Bicester after arrest for terrorism offences
A man has been found dead a day after he was arrested on suspicion of terrorism Valley Police said the body of the man, aged in his 30s, was found early on Wednesday morning near Partridge Chase, force said the man's next of kin had been informed and were being supported by officers. His death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not there had been prior police contact with the man Thames Valley Police said it would make a mandatory referral to The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Thames Valley Police said on Tuesday officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing South East had arrested the man on suspicion of possession of material useful for a terrorist purpose, in accordance with section 58 of the Terrorism Act, 2000. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
