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December 14, 2009

Man pleads guilty to shooting at teens

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — A Holly Pond man has pleaded guilty to nine counts of reckless endangerment and one count of firing into an occupied vehicle, after allegedly firing four rounds from a pistol into a vehicle filled with 10 local teenagers in October.

John David Hamilton, 37, was originally charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and one count of firing into an occupied vehicle — though the charges were reduced as part of a settlement agreement.

“Most of the victims, because there were quite a number of them, felt it would be better to settle,” deputy district attorney John Bryant said. “We felt this was reasonable, so long as the victims are comfortable.”

The Oct. 3 shooting occurred in Holly Pond, and Cullman County Sheriff’s reports state Hamilton allegedly shot at the vehicle because it resembled a truck that had previously damaged his yard.

Reports indicate there was no evidence connecting the victims to the damage of Hamilton’s yard.

No one was injured in the shooting, which involved Holly Pond residents whose ages range between 15 and 18 years old.

The 9-millimeter used in the shooting was recovered by deputies shortly after the incident took place.

Sentencing for the case is scheduled for Feb. 4, though Hamilton has applied for probation in the interim.

The potential punishment for firing at the vehicle is eight years in prison, while Hamilton could serve up to one year for each reckless endangerment charge.

A message left with Hamilton’s attorney, John Berry, seeking comment was not returned by press time.



* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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