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9:21 PM UPDATE On Will

9:21 PM UPDATE On Will

by | Jul 9, 2026 | Breaking News

I don’t even know where to begin with this post.
Before Will was taken back for his CT scan, Jason laid his hands on him and we prayed. He asked God to reveal Himself in a way that Will could feel His presence. Looking back now, I truly believe He did.
Today, before they wheeled him away, the doctors sat down with us and asked one of the hardest questions parents can ever be asked. If Will’s heart were to stop because of everything his body is going through, what would we want them to do?
Nothing prepares you for that conversation.
We have known we’ve now been off DeltaRex-G for two and a half weeks. Every day that passes brings the fear that his cancer has had the chance to explode throughout his body. It has felt like we’ve hit a wall.
No children’s hospital since we arrived in CA has been willing to partner with the Sarcoma Oncology Center and take Will as a patient if he needed care outside of just the medicine because DeltaRex-G is not yet FDA approved or covered by insurance. Our entire goal has been to get his platelets up, get him discharged, and immediately get him back on treatment at the Sarcoma Oncology Center for any chance to survive.
After today’s conversations, we were facing a heartbreaking reality. Rady’s was preparing to focus on keeping Will comfortable while helping us arrange medical transport back to Alabama so he could be surrounded by the people who love him most. We had already spoken with our oncologist at Children’s of Alabama, and plans were beginning to come together.
It felt like every door had closed.
I have apologized more than once to our healthcare team today because the truth hurts. As parents, sometimes the hardest part is hearing that someone has given up…it’s hearing that the medicine was working but because we can’t get him stable enough to leave he won’t get that chance to continue.
Then God moved.
Around 6:00 this evening, as Will was on his way to CT, my phone rang.
It was Dr. Gordon.
She told me she had just received a call from a chief medical doctor at Rady Children’s Hospital. Together, they are filing an emergency appeal with the FDA to allow DeltaRex-G to be administered inside Rady.
Dr. Gordon already has everything prepared and is planning to drive the two and a half hours to San Diego tomorrow so Will can begin treatment again if the appeal is approved.
She said, “I just wanted you to know…Rady hasn’t given up on Will. They want him to stay in this fight.”
Y’all…
THIS IS A MIRACLE.
A hospital willing to step outside the normal path and fight alongside another team for one child…that doesn’t happen every day. We have prayed for God to open a door that no man could open.
I believe this is Him answering.
Jason prayed this afternoon for God to reveal Himself to Will in a mighty way. Hours later, this happened.
Tell me God isn’t still working.
We are still waiting on answers from the CT scans. We know the road ahead is incredibly hard, and we know what we are up against. But we also know our God is bigger than cancer.
The enemy has tried everything to break us. He has knocked me to my knees more times than I can count. He has crippled me with fear. But he will not break me.
We will keep putting on the full armor of God and keep standing.
Please keep praying.
Pray that Will’s heart stays strong.
Pray this emergency appeal is approved.
Pray DeltaRex-G can be restarted immediately.
And above all, pray that Will continues to see the hand of God through every step of this journey.
We aren’t finished fighting
9:04 PM 2025 State Officer of the Year Award, and Supervisory Special Agent

9:04 PM 2025 State Officer of the Year Award, and Supervisory Special Agent

by | Jul 9, 2026 | Breaking News

United States Attorney Thomas Govan proudly congratulates Special Agent Senior Pate Nelson, recipient of the 2025 State Officer of the Year Award, and Supervisory Special Agent Richard M. Holston, recipient of the 2025 Task Force Officer of the Year Award, both with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
These awards recognize law enforcement professionals whose exceptional service, unwavering dedication, and commitment to justice have made a significant impact on federal investigations and strengthened the partnerships that protect the citizens of the Middle District of Alabama.
Special Agent Nelson and Supervisory Special Agent Holston exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and public service. Their tireless efforts have advanced complex federal investigations, enhanced public safety, and reinforced the strong partnerships that are essential to our mission.
Congratulations to both recipients on these well-deserved honors, and thank you for your continued service to the people of the Middle District of Alabama.
Pictured below from left to right: Alabama Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor, Special Agent Senior Pate Nelson, Supervisory Special Agent Richard Holston, and U.S. Attorney Thomas Govan.
Pate Nelson is a product of Geneva County. His dad is ALEA Captain Tracy Nelson, retired, Granddad was a Retired Captain with Alabama Department of Public Safety – Doug Nelson, and his Great Grandaddy was Skeeter Pate, a retired Captain of the Alabama Department of Public Safety – State Bureau of Investgation. His uncle is Sgt. Terry Nelson, former Criminal Investgator for Dothan Police and now was promoted to Sgt. of Patrol Division for Dothan Police Department.
Pate got his law enforcement begining, beside in his DNA, with Houston County Sheriff Department.
Congratulations to all, especially to Pate Nelson.
9:39 PM Weekend Firearm Victim Passes Away

9:39 PM Weekend Firearm Victim Passes Away

by | Jul 8, 2026 | Breaking News

Category: Press Releases

DOTHAN POLICE CHIEF WILL BENNY

Posted on

Victim from Weekend Shooting Succumbs to Injuries

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Dothan Police Department and personnel from Dothan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a shooting in the 800 block of Hutchins Street.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

The victim has been identified as Ja’Marion Rashawn Snell, 18, of Dothan. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Snell succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Following his death, the investigation is being conducted as a homicide.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives continue to actively pursue all investigative leads, conduct interviews, and analyze evidence to identify those responsible. The Dothan Police Department remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice and providing answers to Mr. Snell’s family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.

The Dothan Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the Snell family and all those affected by this tragic loss. Violent crime affects not only victims and their loved ones, but the entire community. We remain committed to aggressively investigating these crimes, holding violent offenders accountable, and working every day to make Dothan a safer place to live, work, and visit.

William E. Benny
Chief of Police

9:31 PM. Madrid Senior Center Rummage Sale

9:31 PM. Madrid Senior Center Rummage Sale

by | Jul 8, 2026 | Breaking News

🛍️ Madrid Senior Center Rummage Sale is Almost Here! 🛍️

Come

treasure hunting and support a great cause!

✨ Browse furniture, home décor, kitchen items, clothing, tools, collectibles, holiday decorations, books, and so much more. Every purchase helps support programs and activities for the seniors in our community.

📅 Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11

🕖 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Madrid Senior Center

760 Decatur Road

Madrid, AL 36320

❤️ Donations are still welcome!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come discover amazing bargains while making a difference in the lives of our local seniors.

Great Finds • Great Prices • Support Our Seniors!

#MadridSeniorCenter #RummageSale #ShopLocal #SupportOurSeniors #CommunityEvent #TreasureHunt #MadridAL #GreatFindsGreatPrices

Mason Bynum – This radio and old rifle have sat on a shelf in my office for 12 years, not as a trophy but as a reminder of God’s grace and protection

Mason Bynum – This radio and old rifle have sat on a shelf in my office for 12 years, not as a trophy but as a reminder of God’s grace and protection

by | Jul 8, 2026 | Breaking News

     

DALE COUNTY SHERIFF MASON BYNUM:       

This radio and old rifle have sat on a shelf in my office for 12 years, not as a trophy but as a reminder of God’s grace and protection. On July 8, 2014 , after a two day manhunt, a child rapist was finally cornered in a hayfield by a pack of determined beagles who refused to give up. Instead of surrendering, he opened fire on multiple deputies who were within feet of him. One bullet, fired by this rifle, struck the radio I was wearing that day. I look at it every day I come in to my office as a reminder of why I do this. Little did he know but he lit a fire in me that day that will never burn out and that is we must stand up for the ones who can’t protect themselves…our children. We have made it a priority and won’t back down. I’m so proud of the men and women of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office who lay in on the line each day.
Recently, Frank Compton saw the rifle in my office and and asked about it. I told him the story and he made me made this to properly display it in my office. I want to thank Frank and his wife, Tabitha Compton for the display and all they do for our community