Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney
Vocal is deeply saddened by the loss of the beautiful Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney. We are hurting for the family, and anyone else deeply affected by the loss of Cupcake. Vocal continues to have hope that justice will be served, and whoever is responsible for this horrific crime will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. If anyone needs Vocal’s assistance please contact us at 334-262-7197 or 1-800-239-3219.
Obituary of Bobby Gene Hilyer,Sr.
BOBBY GENE HILYER, SR., age 78 of Thorsby, passed away on June 23, 2019 at his residence. He was born in Birmingham, AL on May 1, 1941; the son of the late Ache Hilyer and the late Magnolia Littlefield Hilyer.
He was a former delivery driver. While out on the road he held the handle of the “Alabama Wild Man.” He enjoyed life in general. He loved being outside and the outdoors in general. He enjoyed watching NASCAR. He loved sports, and was privileged to be able to coach his children in baseball, basketball, and football while they were young.
He is survived by: Wife, Cecilia Hilyer of Thorsby; Son, Don Hilyer of Thorsby; Son, Billy Hilyer of Prattville; 9 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; and Brother, Ricky Hilyer of Romulus, MI.
He is preceded in death by: Son, Bobby Gene Hilyer, Jr.; Parents, Ache and Magnolia Hilyer; and Brother, Bill Hilyer.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 2:00pm from the Chapel of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home in Clanton with Rev. Ken Wren and Rev. J. Aaron Ellison officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow in the Union Grove Community Cemetery in Jemison, AL.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Bobby’s memory to the Union Grove Baptist Church 11501 County Road 51 Jemison, Alabama 35085.
Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signing HB380 into law
HB 380 - This bill makes significant changes to the operation and membership of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Attorney General Steve Marshall Hails Alabama Senate Passage of Legislation to Reform State’s Badly Broken Pardons and Paroles Board
(MONTGOMERY) — Attorney General Steve Marshall hailed the passage of legislation today by the Alabama Senate to reform the badly broken Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. House Bill 380, sponsored by Representative Connie Rowe, R-Jasper, passed the Senate by a vote of 25 to 5. The legislation was carried in the upper house by Senator Cam Ward, RAlabaster. The Alabama House of Representatives passed the bill on May 9, by a vote of 73 to 27. It now goes to the Governor for her signature.
“The first civil right of every citizen is to be free from the fear of violence. The people of Alabama deserve the assurance that their criminal-justice system is operating in the best interest of public safety,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Today, the Alabama Legislature passed legislation that will reform our state’s badly broken system of pardons and paroles. But this was about far more than fixing a failing agency; this was about securing public safety. We will now be able to better protect the people of our great state.”
Attorney General Steve Marshall Announces Settlement with Victims’ Families in Jimmy O’Neal Spencer Case
(MONTGOMERY)—Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the State of Alabama will pay the maximum damages that may be awarded under state law—$1 million*—to the families of Jimmy O’Neal Spencer’s three alleged murder victims. The families allege that the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles wrongfully paroled and failed to supervise Spencer, resulting in the deaths of Marie Martin, Colton Lee and Martha Reliford.
Attorney General Marshall recused himself and was not a part of the settlement negotiations, having previously known two of the victims.
VOCAL Calls for Reforms to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles
MONTGOMERY -- Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL), the State’s largest victims’ advocacy coalition, on Tuesday expressed the organization’s full support and the urgent need for legislation reforming the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The legislation has already passed the Alabama House of Representatives.
“We sincerely hope that the Alabama Senate will make this legislation a top priority in the remaining days of the regular session,” said VOCAL Founder, Miriam Shehane. “Victims have waited for years for our state officials to listen to us and pay attention to what is going on at Pardons and Paroles. We’ve finally got an Attorney General and Governor who get it, but they lack the authority to fix this problem. For any real change to occur, we desperately need the reforms proposed in this legislation.”
Read more: VOCAL Calls for Reforms to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles
2019 VOCAL Vigil - Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future
Every April, OVC leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of NCVRW.
This year, OVC commemorated NCVRW on April 7–13. This year's NCVRW theme—Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.—celebrates the progress made by those before us as we look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed. Vocal's annual candlelight vigil was held on April 12th, 2019 at 7 pm on the lawn of the Attorney General's office. The guest speakers were Chief Ernest Finley & Attorney General Steve Marshall. Many individuals who have continuously helped fight for crime victim's right's were honored that night.
To view gallery, click Read More!
Read more: 2019 VOCAL Vigil - Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future
Gov. Ivey declares April 7th-13th Victims Rights Awareness Week
Vocal attended Proclamation Hour to receive a proclamation from the governor declaring April 7th-13th Victims Rights Awareness Week.
(Left to Right) Dr. Teresa Jones (Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission), Kim Martin (Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission), Dr. Cassie Jones (Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission), Melanie Beasley (Vocal, Victim Advocate), Teaonna Watson (Vocal, Counselor), Miriam Shehane (Founder of Vocal), Nayla Contreras (Vocal, Victim Advocate), Janette Grantham (Vocal, State Director), Jacqueline Fowler (Attorney General's Office), Ashley Harbin (Attorney General's Office).
Governor Kay Ivey issues Executive Order #716
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 716
Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on Early Parole Hearings and Requiring the Submission and Implementation of a Corrective Action Plan for the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
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