The family of a fallen Alabama sheriff's deputy will receive the highest possible compensation from the state following his tragic death. Governor Kay Ivey announced that the estate of Bibb County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Johnson will be awarded $1 million. Deputy Johnson and his colleague, Deputy Chris Poole, were shot by a recently released convict, Austin Hall, who benefited from "good time provisions." These provisions allow for reduced sentences based on good behavior while incarcerated.
Governor Ivey criticized the existing "good time" system, highlighting its flaws that contributed to Deputy Johnson's death. Hall, who had escaped from a work release program in 2019, served only four years of a ten-year sentence. While Deputy Poole recovered from his injuries, Deputy Johnson tragically succumbed to his the following day. The governor expressed her opposition to the current implementation of these provisions, which she believes offer excessive sentence reductions for criminals even with histories of violence or escape attempts.
In response to this incident, Governor Ivey took action. She issued an executive order in January to address the shortcomings of the "good time" system, aiming to prevent inmates with violent records from receiving early release. Furthermore, in April, she signed SB1 into law, solidifying reforms to the system and closing loopholes that posed a threat to law enforcement and the public. Hall is currently facing capital murder charges for Deputy Johnson's death and is being held without bond.
