John Bowlin: Alabama man accused of fatally shooting father granted bail at $500K despite serious charges
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
MOODY, ALABAMA: Last week, a 35-year-old Alabama man, identified as John Adam Bowlin, was arrested for allegedly fatally shooting his father, 61-year-old John D Bowlin, and injuring his mother, 60-year-old Connie Bowlin.
Despite the severity of the charges, he was granted bail, with a judge offering him the opportunity to secure his release for a total of $500,000 during a recent court hearing on Tuesday as per the New York Post.
Additional details surrounding the tragic incident and its aftermath emerged during the trial of John Adam.
Police found 2 victims at the crime scene
According to CBS 42, the Moody Police Department responded to a potential domestic assault at 11 pm on Monday in the 800 block of Argo Margaret Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims, identified as 61-year-old John D Bowlin and 60-year-old Connie L Bowlin, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
The incident occurred at 100 Lee Garden Road, as confirmed by the Moody Police Chief. Unfortunately, John D.
Bowlin was pronounced dead at the scene, while Connie was transported to UAB hospital and is currently in stable condition.
John Adam was apprehended at 2 am in the 800 block of Argo Margaret Road, without incident, with the assistance of the St Clair County SWAT Team.
He is presently held with pending charges at the St Clair County Jail, with bond yet to be determined.
What did John Adam Bowlin’s sister claim?
In the aftermath of the tragic loss of their parents, John Adam Bowlin's sister, Heather Bowlin, expressed concerns about their mother's safety, stating, "She's scared for her life. She doesn’t know if he’s going to come back after her or someone else for that matter, It’s kind of a slap in the face."
Heather acknowledged the financial challenges her brother faces in meeting the bond requirements.
Nevertheless, she shared her ongoing worry for herself, her family, and especially her mother, emphasizing, "We’d all like to see the judge go back and take a look at this and have the bond revoked."
Chip Brown expresses disagreement with the judge's decision
The judge's decision to grant a bond is a consequence of the enactment of Aniah's Law in 2022, which provides judges with discretion in assigning bonds to defendants involved in violent crimes.
Mobile state Representative Chip Brown, the legislator behind Aniah's Law, expressed disagreement with the judge's choice but clarified that the law was carefully crafted to be constitutional.
Brown emphasized the importance of tailoring the law to specific cases rather than adopting a blanket approach, acknowledging constitutional limitations.
Brown said, “It was important that we did it that way and we crafted it to specific cases and not just a blanket approach because whereas you commit a class a felony and are denied bond because that would not work under the constitution under the 8th amendment clause.”
St Clair County District Attorney Lyle Harmon's office expressed disappointment in the decision but affirmed their trust in the legal system. Despite the disagreement, the DA's office declared its commitment to prosecuting the defendant for murder to the best of its ability.
