Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the murder conviction of Jeremiah Wesley Irvin, a 25-year-old from Thomasville. Irvin was originally convicted in Clarke County Circuit Court on June 16, 2023.
The trial evidence indicated that Fredrick Wright was shot and killed by Irvin on February 2, 2021, at Wright's home. Prior to the murder, an altercation had occurred between Wright and Irvin. Testimony revealed that Irvin had been agitated after an argument at a gas station and gunshots were heard shortly after he left a residence. Additionally, it was shown that Irvin attempted to influence a witness's testimony.
The case was prosecuted by Clarke County District Attorney Stephen K. Winters' office, resulting in a guilty verdict and a forty-year prison sentence for Irvin. On appeal, Irvin sought to overturn his conviction.
The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Division managed the appeals process with Assistant Attorney General Marc A. Starrett arguing for affirmation of the conviction. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals issued its decision to uphold the conviction on November 8, 2024.
Attorney General Marshall praised Assistant Attorney General Starrett for his efforts and expressed gratitude towards District Attorney Winters and his team for their support in maintaining the murder conviction.