It took less than two hours Thursday for a Houston County jury to acquit a man charged with murder.
Jeffrey Lloyd Culpepper, charged with murder in connection with the 2017 shooting death of Cornell Johnson, was found not guilty. Culpepper claimed he acted in self defense.
The incident occurred Jan. 15, 2017, near Sandher’s Grocery on Third Avenue. Earlier reports indicate Culpepper and Johnson had been in an ongoing dispute that escalated to a confrontation near the store.
Adam Parker and Raynor Clifton, defense attorneys for Culpepper, argued during trial that Culpepper shot Johnson because he believed his life was being threatened. Parker said during the trial’s opening arguments that he believed Johnson was the aggressor in the incident.
During an earlier pre-trial motion, Parker indicated Culpepper was exiting the convenience store when Johnson verbally assaulted and threatened him. Culpepper attempted to exit in his vehicle, and then Johnson opened his door and attempted to assault him.
CREDIT: Michelle Forhand – Dothan Eagle