Johnny Hardwick: Alabama judge fights for life after son with history of violence shoots him amid argument

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA: The 36-year-old son allegedly shot his father, who is also the main judge for Montgomery County's Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.

According to the county sheriff's office, the tragic incident happened inside their home in Montgomery around 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the domestic incident, investigators quickly pointed to Khalfani as the potential perpetrator, according to the New York Post.

Notably, Khalfani, who had avoided prison for a murder committed ten years ago, was suspected to be the gunman.

What did Assistant Chief Wesley Richerson report?

Assistant Chief Wesley Richerson stated that Judge Johnny was involved in a fight with his son, and he got seriously hurt from being shot.

“Judge Hardwick was involved in a domestic incident with his son and suffered serious injuries from a gunshot wound," Richerson said.

After shooting his father, the 36-year-old man drove away in a truck, which he left about five miles from their home near a fire department. 

The police found him just 45 minutes later, only one mile away from the abandoned truck. They arrested Khalfani Hardwick as a suspect, but he hasn't been charged with a crime yet. 

Judge Johnny had to have at least one surgery and is getting treatment for his serious injuries, according to Richerson. The police couldn't say why the attack happened or how many times Judge Hardwich got shot.

Who is Khalfani Hardwick?

Khalfani Hardwick, known for violent incidents, shot a man in 2014 and pleaded guilty to second-degree assault without serving prison time.

Despite being the son of a judge, he did not go to prison for shooting Clayton Riley. Instead, his attempted murder charge was reduced to second-degree assault. 

Judge Hardwick has been a part of the 15th Judicial Circuit since 2001 and was appointed as the president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges last August. 

The suspect is currently detained at the Montgomery County Detention Facility without bail.