The Montgomery Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a man that friends say was evangelizing in a Montgomery neighborhood when he was killed.
Thomas Hand, Jr., 37, was shot and killed on Saturday, Jan. 22, around 4:30 p.m. Hand was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 17-year-old named Jerimiah Walker was later arrested in connection to the murder.
Walker was taken into custody and has since been charged with capital murder because the shooting happened in front of a child younger than 14. That child was the victim's two-year-old son, according to court documents. A court affidavit states the scene of the shooting was on Texas Street, the same street the suspect lives on.
Hand’s wife was former Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski Hand.
Christine Hand, who competed in Miss America in 2009, posted on Facebook, on Jan. 23, about the outpouring of support she has received since the death of her husband.
“Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers during this time of the passing of my husband Tommy Hand,” the post stated. “I feel the love and support from everyone and just wanted to let everyone know that indeed Tommy was shot and killed last night on Texas Street in Montegomery [sic] AL. I appreciate and welcome all of the messages, I’m just overwhelmed with all the questions and retelling of the details of what happened. I will at later date release more information to explain everything to everyone.”
A friend of the victim told The Daily Beast that the Hands were in the Montgomery neighborhood evangelizing, although police have not confirmed that account. No motive in the shooting has been released by investigators.
Christine Hand also confirmed the couple’s business will be moving from Montgomery to Biloxi, Mississippi. Her sister set up a GoFundMe account to help with expenses for the couple’s children. In just three days, the fundraiser yielded over $35,000 in donations.
Walker had his first court appearance on Jan. 24 and was given no bond. No other court dates have been set.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819News.com.
