The son of Montgomery County Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick has been charged with first-degree domestic assault and possession of a handgun by a restricted person in the shooting that led to his father's hospitalization.
Judge Hardwick was hospitalized in serious condition on Saturday after being shot in a domestic dispute. His son, Khalfani Ahmed Hardwick, was taken into custody later that same day.
Both charges are felonies. The first-degree assault is a Class A felony, which is punishable by up to a life sentence. The possession charge is subject to a maximum ten-year sentence.
Khalfani Hardwick was initially charged with attempted murder in 2016 for shooting another man in the head. Hardwick pled guilty to a reduced second-degree assault, for which he received a suspended three-year sentence along with six-and-a-half months of time served and was ordered to pay $639 in court costs plus restitution.
Soon after the shooting, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed released a statement.
"Tamika and I are saddened by the news that Judge Johnny Hardwick has been shot," Reed said. "He has honorably served our community on the Circuit Court for decades, helping spearhead numerous reforms to make the court system more equitable and fair. Most recently, he worked to eliminate bond requirements for more non-violent offenses. Away from the bench he was a champion for the area's youth, one of the founders of 100 Black Men of Greater Montgomery. We are praying for his recovery."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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