9/20/09
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5 comments
John Terry found dead
Commissioner’s body found in bed of his Lawrence home; foul play not suspected
MOULTON — Authorities found Lawrence County Commissioner John Terry dead at his residence Saturday after a family member reported being unable to contact him. Coronor Micah Coffey and Sheriff Gene Mitchell confirmed the death of Terry, 42. Coffey and the sheriff’s office are conducting an investigation and waiting on a toxicology report to determine the cause of death. A press release from the sheriff said “foul play is not believed to be involved.” The Sheriff’s Department received a call at 9:33 a.m. Saturday from a family member who said Terry “had not been seen or heard from since Friday morning,” according to the release. Deputies went to Terry’s residence on Lawrence County 150, got no response and made a forced entry at the request of the family. They found Terry “lying in his bed deceased,” the release said. Commissioner Harold LouAllen said Terry’s death was “a sad tragedy.” “My prayers and thoughts go out to his family now,” he said. Voters elected Terry in 2006. The first-term commissioner had endured several personal setbacks in the past year, beginning with a DUI arrest Sept. 21, 2008. The Sheriff’s Department arrested Terry after someone complained about his driving near Big Nance Creek Bridge on Alabama 157. In April, Terry said in a court deposition, he was taking a prescription drug that, according to the drug’s Web site, is used for opioid dependence. He pleaded the Fifth Amendment when an attorney asked whether he had attended commission meetings under the influence of drugs and when asked if he had been to a drug rehabilitation center in the past two years. He said he preferred not to answer when the attorney asked why he took the drug. The most recent setback came on Sept. 10 when Terry turned himself in on a warrant his wife signed charging him with third-degree domestic violence. Terry told The Daily he didn’t hit his wife and was defending himself. Terry and his wife, Melony Terry, were in the process of a divorce.
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This is a sad situation, Mr. Terry had good intentions for his district and Lawrence County. Our hearts go out to Mr. Terrys family.
We all have our problems whether made public or not. That does not make us bad people. From what I can gather, Mr. Terry was a good person and wanted the best for his district and others. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
After making Mr. Terry's personal problems front page "news" along with his picture on several occasions The Decatur Daily should know they probably contributed to this man's decision to commit suicide. The Daily should do more front page reporting about illegal immigrants and do more to help get them out of our city
Did I miss the article that stated Mr. Terry commited suicide? because the article above states there was no foul play suspected.
Jim, the fact that you would even say that says a tremendous amount about your character. Whether he did or did not should not even be commented on in this forum. Please kindly remember that there is always a possibility that his family members might be reading this. Both of his children are old enough to read and they don't need you adding to whatever they are having to deal with at this time. I agree that DD should be reporting on illegals and other topics, but your comment is inappropriate as well.