The man charged in connection to a body found buried behind a house in Hueytown will go to trial on Jan. 9, 2023, over three years after the death.
Fredrick Hampton, 53, of Birmingham, is charged with corpse abuse in connection with the case of Paighton Houston.
Houston was last seen at Tin Roof in Birmingham on Dec. 20, 2019. Authorities believe she willingly left the bar with Hampton and others. Her body was recovered two weeks later. Investigators said there were no signs of foul play on her body and the Jefferson County Coroner ruled she died from an accidental overdose of methamphetamine and morphine.
Houston’s family said she had a past with substance abuse but had recovered and was helping others in need at the time of her death.
Hampton is a sex offender, convicted of rape and sodomy in 1992. When he violated the Sex Offender Registration and Notification act in 2012, court documents show he was given a two-year suspended sentence.
Houston’s family has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hampton and Tin Roof.
The case drew national attention and was featured on television news nationwide. Houston's family has repeatedly said they hope the truth comes out for justice to be served.
Hampton is not suspected or charged with killing Houston.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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