Just a reminder this morning The City of LaFayette will be closed this tomorrow and Friday for Thanksgiving. City officials say Thursday’s garbage route will run today. So crews will be collecting both Wednesday and Thursday pickups todays.
A Walker County jury has convicted Marshall Payne in the 2016 shooting death of Donald “DJ” Fickey Jr. After a week-long trial, jurors deliberated less than an hour last week before finding Payne guilty of malice murder and felony murder. The case dates back to October of 2016, when Payne called 911 and reported that Fickey had taken his own life. Investigators initially treated the scene as a possible suicide, but conflicting witness statements, evidence of prior altercations, and reports of drug use at the property raised concerns. In 2023, a revised medical examiner’s finding led the state to formally charge Payne with murder. Payne was immediately sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The District Attorney’s Office credited law enforcement, prosecutors, and Fickey’s family for their persistence in bringing the case to a close, nine years after the shooting.
A man with prior charges in Walker County is now involved in a child neglect case in Chattanooga. Police arrested Leon Woods and Carol Phillips after officers entered a home for a welfare check and found two small children living in what investigators described as filthy and unsafe conditions. According to police, the house contained piles of trash, a strong odor, and roaches throughout. The children were wearing only diapers. Records show Woods is a registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to child molestation in Walker County earlier this year. He now faces aggravated child neglect and a new sex offender registry violation. Phillips is also charged with aggravated child neglect. The children have been removed from the home as the investigation continues.
In Chattooga County, officials have identified the two victims killed in a structure fire earlier this month in the Ridgeway community near Trion. Coroner Jeremy McElhaney says 32-year-old Natalie Cropper and her 2-year-old daughter, Theory Williams, died in the October 5th blaze. Emergency crews were called to the scene before dawn, and one fatality was confirmed shortly after 5:20 that morning. Investigators spent much of the day assessing the damage and gathering evidence. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials say additional information will be released once that work is complete.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is holding its “Stuffed with Love” adoption event, offering zero-dollar adoption fees on any dog or cat with orange, black, or brown coloring. All adopted pets will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and started on age-appropriate vaccines and wormer at no cost. The shelter reminds visitors to come prepared—dogs must leave on a leash and collar, and cats must be in a carrier. Donations are also welcome.
The shelter is open today from 10 to 4, but will be closed to the public Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, so now is the time to stop in and take home a new furry friend.