A Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputy was cleared Friday after a five-day wrongful death trial in federal court.
Matthew Hunady shot and killed Jonathan Victor in 2017 after a crash on Interstate 10.
Hunady was previously cleared of criminal wrongdoing. It was determined Victor charged towards Hunady in a “shooting stance” with a concealed item in his hand. The deputy commanded the suspect to drop what he perceived to be a weapon multiple times before the shooting.
Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery sat in the courtroom throughout the civil trial. He said he was more than proud of how the sheriff’s office came together in support of their comrade.
“Unless you're part of it, you truly can't understand it,” Lowery told 1819 News. “I mean, we're there for each other with everything, whether it's the shooting or it's the birth of a new baby or whatever it is, it's truly a family atmosphere and when one of us is hurting, all of us are hurting.”
Lowery said Hunady handled the situation according to policy and was still publicly criticized. He said the verdict on Friday was a relief.
“The threats on him and his family were uncalled for,” said Lowery. “The way he was treated on social media and by the media in general was unacceptable. I'm proud for him to be able to stand today after eight years clear of this burden.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
