The tragic kidnapping and murder of Kamille "Cupcake" McKinney shocked the state. Now, seven years later, Cupake's mother, April Thomas, is speaking out in support of Lloyd Peeples, the prosecutor in that case, endorsing him for State House District 48.
"In the darkest moment of my life, Lloyd Peeples was the light at the end of the tunnel for me. I know he'll be that light for you," Thomas said.
"Helping lead the prosecution team that secured convictions and life sentences without the possibility of parole for those responsible was one of the most meaningful responsibilities of my career," Peeples said.
"As a prosecutor, some of the most important work happens outside the courtroom. It happens in the trenches: working with law enforcement, standing beside victims and their families, and refusing to quit until justice is done," he added. "I am deeply grateful to April Thomas for supporting our campaign for House District 48. Throughout an unimaginably painful time, April and her family showed extraordinary strength, courage, and love for Cupcake. She saw firsthand the commitment of the prosecutors, investigators, agents, officers, and victim advocates who worked together to seek justice. I am honored that she is willing to share her experience working with me with others."
Thomas' endorsement follows that of Beth Holloway, mother of Natalee Holloway. Peeples met both grieving mothers while serving in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama.
Over the years, he has held numerous leadership roles, including deputy chief, Civil/Criminal Health Care Fraud coordinator, chief of the Criminal Division, and first assistant U.S. Attorney. While serving as a manager, Lloyd also continued to prosecute complex federal crimes, including the kidnappers of Kamille "Cupcake" McKinney and Joran van der Sloot.
RELATED: 'Lloyd will fight for you the way he fought for me': Beth Holloway endorses Lloyd Peeples
Peeples' "integrity, dedication and work ethic" was praised by former U.S. Attorney Jay Town in an endorsement earlier this year. Town spoke to Peeples' commitment.
"He never shied away from the tough cases and he never shied away from anything we were doing in the Department of Justice that was going to be difficult or be a climb but was necessary for the benefit for our communties and men and women in law enforcement," Town said.
When asked by 1819 News about that endorsement, Peeples said, "I am honored to have the endorsement of former U.S. Attorney Jay Town, whom I was proud to serve under as First Assistant U.S. Attorney for more than three years. Jay knows what it takes to lead, to make hard decisions, and to protect our communities. His support means a great deal to me."
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