Wiregrass Bombing Suspect Has Arraignment Today

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Oct 29 2017 1:47 PM

HOUSTON COUNTY:    It was 2 AM Friday morning that Houston County Sheriff Cpl. Ricky Herring obtained arrest warrants on Sylvia Joseph King, AKA Wiregrass Bomber.

King was arrested for Attempted Murder, Possession or Transport Biochecmical Weapon, Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, and Criminal Michief.

After arrest King went to the hospital complaining of chest pains. He was under guard of Houston County Sheriff Deputies. It was not until around 4 PM on Friday that King was booked into the Houston County Jail.

King was being held on "no bond" on the offenses.

Under Alabama Law a person held in custody and not made been is required to appear before a District Court Judge or Magistrate within 72 hours of arrest. If that burden on the state is not met then the defendant has to be released on the lowest amount of bond possible.

Both Houston County Circuit Clerk Carla Woodall and Houston County District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis realized that fact. The 72 hours would be at 2 AM on Monday morning.

This afternoon, Sunday, Houston County District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis went to the Houston County Jail and held the "first appearance" for King. At that hearing the person is advised of his or her rights, what the offense they are charged with are, the range of punishment, can they afford an attorney, if not what is their financial condition. At that time the District Court Judge will make a determination of indigency and appoint them an attorney.

Judge Lewis declared King indigent at this point. The case will be assigned to 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Brad Mendheim when it returns from Grand Jury should King be indicted.

Honorable Judge Benjamin Lewis appointed Attorney Ben Freeman to represent King. A hearing was requested for bond. That hearing has been set for November 2nd at 8:30 AM.

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