The mother of a woman found buried behind a Hueytown home nearly five years ago is fighting for justice and asking Attorney General Steve Marshall to investigate a Jefferson County judge.
Paighton Houston, of Trussville, disappeared after going out with a friend from The Tin Roof on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. Her body was found on Jan. 3, 2020.
Authorities determined she died of an accidental overdose, and one man was charged with abuse of a corpse. Fredrick Hampton pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with three years to serve.
However, Charlaine Houston said the home where her daughter was buried belonged to Terrenda Hampton, who was never charged. Houston said after Hampton told authorities what happened and led them to her body, he walked free.
Hampton has a rap sheet dating back to 1990, with charges of rape, sodomy, robbery, burglary, assault and others. As a registered sex offender, he has been charged with several violations.
Hampton's latest violation ended in a plea deal signed by Circuit Judge David Carpenter last week. He was given a 20-year split sentence with five years of probation and released from jail on December 11.
Houston's mother said she wants Attorney General Steve Marshall to investigate.
"This is why Birmingham is listed as one of the most dangerous places to live," she said. "Look at these individuals records. Never should we hear they don't know how to control crime."
According to court documents, Carpenter dismissed a 2015 case in which Hampton was accused of rape. A court affidavit shows the victim stated she was sitting in her car at a Chevron when a man approached her. He then got into her car and forced her to drive to his Hueytown home, where he and another man brutally raped her. During the investigation, the victim identified Hampton in a line-up.
Carpenter dismissed the case on Dec. 18, 2019, just two days before he met Paighton Houston.
With outstanding charges and so many chances, Charlaine Houston fears Hampton is a danger to the community.
"Terrenda Hampton is home for Christmas," she said. "We spent Christmas five years ago looking for Paighton, while the world watched. Now, we will never have another Christmas with Paighton."
An online petition asking Carpenter "to put the people of this community first and take Terrenda Hampton off the streets," now has 340 signatures.
Carpenter has previously taken to social media to defend actions in his court following stories by 1819 News showing he allowed the release of other violent suspects in Jefferson County. The self-proclaimed "far left, liberal, progressive, democratic socialist, white ('traitor to his race') native Alabamian," has presided over Alabama's 10th Judicial Circuit, Place 5, in Jefferson County since 2013.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
