By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal
A jury returned a not guilty verdict in Lowndes County Circuit Court Thursday for Brandon Demonte Rudolph of Letohatchee in the May 2012 murder of Willie Earl Scott of Fort Deposit.

“We’re pleased with the jury verdict,” said defense attorney Jerry Thornton of Hayneville. “I think they came out with the correct verdict.”

Rudolph, who was 26 at the time of his arrest, was charged with the murder of Scott, age 34, on May 27.

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and Lowndes County District Attorney Charlotte M. Tesmer said Scott was shot as the result of a domestic dispute at the time.

She also said the incident occurred on McCall Road in Hope Hull shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Sunday (May 27) and that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The verdict just wasn’t right. I don’t feel like I got treated right, got justice, of which I didn’t,” said Willie Neal Scott, father of the deceased.

“I’m disappointed for Mr. Scott’s family, said Tesmer. “But we honor the jury’s verdict.”

Assistant District Attorneys Steve Townes and Nicki Miller prosecuted the case.

A witness for the prosecution testified Wednesday that Rudolph shot Scott and that she did not hear threats from Scott.

Rudolph testified in his own behalf that he was threatened, that he feared for his life and that he did not intend to kill Scott.

He also said he was sorry for the death of Scott.

When asked why he carried a gun, Rudolph said, “Because I was shot and robbed in Hayneville.”

Circuit Court Judge Terri Bozeman Lovell charged the jury as to the count of murder, a Class A felony which carries a sentence of 10 years to life, and manslaughter, a Class B felony which carries a sentence of two to 20 years.

Rudolph was found not guilty of all charges.