LEE COUNTY, Ala. (September 5, 2025) — Richard Lee Huguley, 51, has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his stepfather, 69-year-old James Barnett, in the Salem community Thursday evening.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of Lee Road 126 around 7:14 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. When deputies arrived, they discovered Barnett deceased in a chair in the front yard of his home.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jessica Henderson confirmed that Barnett had sustained a single gunshot wound to the forehead. Court records reveal that the weapon used in the killing was a .38 Special revolver.
During the initial investigation, deputies gathered evidence identifying Huguley as the primary suspect. He was taken into custody later that evening.
Huguley has since been charged with murder and is being held at the Lee County Detention Center. Authorities said he will appear in court for an Aniah’s Law hearing, which will determine whether he is eligible to be released on bond while awaiting trial.
Aniah’s Law, passed in Alabama in 2021, allows judges to deny bail to individuals charged with violent crimes such as murder, rape, or kidnapping if they are deemed a threat to the community.
No motive has been released at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing. Deputies said additional details may be made available as evidence is processed and court proceedings move forward.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward as the case continues to develop.
Leave a Reply