A former Red Level woman has been sentenced to the maximum prison term after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse in a case involving two young children.
According to the Covington County District Attorney’s Office, Melinda Chance Lee, 60, entered a guilty plea as the child victims were preparing to testify. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison and is currently incarcerated at Tutwiler Women’s Prison under the Alabama Department of Corrections.
The investigation began in 2022 after the Covington County Sheriff’s Office responded to Andalusia Health, where a six-year-old child was found to be severely malnourished, badly bruised, and suffering from significant burns. The child was later transferred to USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital for extensive medical treatment.
Investigators said a second child in Lee’s home, a nine-year-old sibling, had also suffered severe mental and emotional abuse. Authorities reported that both children described repeated and extreme abuse, and search warrants executed at Lee’s residence recovered items that supported the children’s accounts.
Court records show Lee admitted to some of the conduct but attempted to place blame elsewhere. She later filed a motion to withdraw her guilty plea, which was denied, making the conviction final.
Officials said both children have since been adopted and are now doing well.
CLAYTON AL: Clayton Alabama, established in 1935 and home of one of the two courthouses in Barbour County. The Mayor is Kathy Thomas.
Recently saw a post of EMS, persons with criminal records welcome to apply.
Tonight, via TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729, RSN is receiving word that all EMS have walked out. Multiple text messages.
Clayton has no EMS crews as of right now. If anyone has the letter submitted or additional information TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729.
I think Baker Hill has a rescue. If that does not work, the Barbour County Coroner is Chip Chapman. Hate to be so blunt but sometimes Mayors and Council Members do not care about the citizens.
Good Luck to the people in and around Clayton.
UPDATED @ 8:04 PM
Baker Hill VOLUNTEER Rescue has one full time ambulance and some days two. They are stepping up to the plate and filling the void to provide the Baler Hill and Clayton area with Emergency Medical Services.
CITIZENS, please note- Baker Hill has NO MUNICIPAL FUNDING. They are a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non profit entity. It costs money to operate and provide Emergency Medical Services. If you have insurance, GREAT. If you do not have insurance, you are treated the same as the person with insurance coverage.
So if financially able ( and I was not asked to include this ), make your tax deductible donations to Baker Hill Volunteer Rescue.
They are currently your lifeline to emergency medical services.
UPDATED @ 9:24 PM
VIA TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729, I was informed Baker Hill Rescue is a NON PROFIT, 501 ( c ) ( 3 ), however those making the EMS runs are compensated. They still operate on donations, transport regardless of your insurance.
Those who resigned from Clayton Rescue are now with South Barbour EMS d/b/a Clio Rescue. As of this writing, via text, RSN was advised it is a volunteer service as of right now.They intend to run a day crew, Monday – Friday and on weekends. They will be looking to getting a station built.
So those who have provided the service, the boots on the ground, are working to still provide EMS coverage. Just they can not tolerate the leadership of Clayton Alabama anymore.
DOTHAN: DOTHAN 911 dispatched a structure fire in the 1200 block of Continental Drive. Reports to Dothan 911, smoke from ceiling in kitchen.
Dothan Fire Battalion Chief Knowles, Dothan Fire Engine Company Truck 1 ( Central ), Dothan Fire Engine Company 4 ( Southside ), Dothan Fire Engine Company 5 ( Eastside ), Rehab 1 ( Lakewood ) and Pilcher Ambulance responded along with Dothan Police.
On arrival of the first fire engine company they reported a single story, residential structure. Nothing visible. Home Owner reported a smoke haze.
By 3:55 PM the primary engine reported all units could return to service.
Reports from the area indicate a train struck ice-covered tracks and tipped over in or near the East Newton St.
At this time, details remain limited, and officials have not released full information regarding injuries or damage. Emergency crews were reportedly on scene, and the incident is under investigation.
Motorists are urged to use caution in the area and avoid the scene if possible while crews work.
This is a developing situation and updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
Firefighters rescued an injured man from a body of water near Highway 84 West on Friday, according to the Opp Fire Department.
Officials said Opp Fire Department crews and other responding agencies were dispatched around 11:40 a.m. on January 30 to the area beneath the Lightwood Knot Creek Bridge on Highway 84 West after reports of a man in the water with visible injuries.
Firefighters located the man and safely pulled him from the water. He was then treated at the scene by Haynes Ambulance paramedics and other emergency personnel.
The man was transported by Haynes Ambulance to Mizell Memorial Hospital for further treatment. According to Opp Fire Chief Cory Spurlin, the man was released from the hospital later the same day.
Additional agencies responding to the scene included the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Opp Police Department, and Babbie Volunteer Fire Department.
The Wiregrass community continues to mourn the tragic death of Blake Bowen, who was killed in an incident that occurred last Friday.
The suspect in the case, Michael Tywuan Taylor, made his first court appearance this morning in Houston County. Taylor is charged with Capital Murder and appeared before Judge Benjamin Lewis, Houston County District Judge.
During the hearing, Taylor was denied bond and will remain in custody. The court advised Taylor of the potential sentencing range associated with a capital murder charge, which includes 99 years to life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty under Alabama law.
Taylor was appointed two defense attorneys who meet the state’s requirements for capital cases, which mandate a minimum of 10 years of legal practice. The appointed attorneys are David Baker and Lee Knowles.
The case will proceed in circuit court under Judge Kevin Moulton, who has been assigned as the presiding judge.
This case remains under investigation. Additional hearings are expected as the judicial process moves forward.
