| Eric McAlister arraigned in double murder |
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Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 12:00 pm
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By BRAD GASKINS
News Editor
DRESDEN — Eric McAlister, 40, of Greenfield was arraigned Thursday afternoon in Weakley County General Sessions Court on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder.
General Sessions Judge Thomas Moore Jr. ordered McAlister held without bond and set a preliminary hearing for Wednesday.
The charges came after authorities allege McAlister killed his dad by running him over with a pick-up truck and then shot to death another man who apparently arrived on the scene after hearing the commotion.
David McAlister, 61, and Timothy Betts, 52, both of Greenfield, died at the scene.
Authorities allege Eric McAlister also tried to shoot and kill his brother, Raymond McAlister, who owns the property at 246 Shades Bridge Road, about a half-mile outside Greenfield city limits, where the incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. last Wednesday afternoon.
According to a press release from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the incident started when Eric McAlister ran over David McAlister with the pick-up truck.
Eric McAlister then produced a .270-caliber single shot rifle and shot several rounds at Raymond McAlister, according to the release.
Betts was near the scene and was attempting to check on David McAlister when he was shot and killed, according to the release.
Eric McAlister surrendered to sheriff’s deputies when they arrived on the scene, according to the release.
Somebody reported the incident to Weakley County 911 with a cell phone call at 4:34 p.m.
Funeral services for Betts were held Monday afternoon at Bethel Baptist Church, where he had been a member, according to obituary information provided by Williams Funeral Home. Burial was to follow at Brocks Cemetery.
Betts is survived by his wife, Lisa, and his parents, Gary and Beth Betts. He is also survived by a brother, Terry Betts, a sister, Cathy (Betts) Cox, a nephew, Michael Cox, and a niece, Ashley Betts, all of Greenfield.
Timothy Betts lived at 827 Betts Road in Greenfield, according to the funeral home, which listed his occupation as a cattle farmer.
Timothy Betts was born Oct. 26, 1960 in Martin.
Services for David McAlister were held Sunday at Williams Funeral Home, according to obituary information from the funeral home.
Published in The WCP 2.12.13 |
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