The State of Alabama has agreed to pay the estate of slain Bibb County deputy Brad Johnson $1 million, the maximum allowed by state law.
Johnson's death rocked the state in 2022. It led to legislation named in his honor passing the legislature earlier this year. Johnson was also honored by the legislature with his family present.
In June 2022, Bibb County deputies Brad Johnson and Chris Poole were shot in the line of duty by Austin Patrick Hall. Poole was discharged from the hospital soon after, but Johnson succumbed to his wounds the following day.
Hall had an extensive criminal history with multiple felony convictions and charges while in the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) custody. He received a 10-year sentence in 2018. Despite escaping a work-release program in 2019, he was released two months before the fatal shooting.
After the shooting, Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall and others expressed condolences to the families and outrage that Hall was out on the streets.
The Deputy Brad Johnson Act, which passed the legislature in April, would reform the state's "good time" laws, giving standards for applying correctional incentive time for inmates based on their actions while incarcerated.
Wednesday, Birmingham attorney Tommy James announced that the State of Alabama had settled with Johnson's estate, which included the maximum payout.
The settlement addresses concerns about the circumstances that led to Johnson's death, namely, the release of Hall before the shooting.
"Deputy Johnson was more than a law enforcement officer; he was a devoted public servant and a true hero, and we will never forget his sacrifice," James said. "His tragic death is a stark reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day."
"Now that this settlement has been reached, Deputy Johnson's family can focus on the criminal case against Austin Patrick Hall. They are hoping for swift and severe justice," he added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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