Russell County, Alabama District Attorney’s Office

08/08/2026

Today is the day! We hope to see everyone there!

THIS SATURDAY!! Helping Families Initiative is hosting its annual Back to School Community Resource Fair on Saturday, August 8th from 10 AM to 2PM EST.

The event will be located at Crawford Walking Trail on 4506 HWY 80 W, Crawford, AL 36869.

Come out to hear from and get resources from our wealth of community resources, and get FREE food and school supplies! Bring the entire family to come out and enjoy music & bouncy house fun!

07/21/2026

04/14/2026

On Friday April 10, 2026, a Russell County jury returned a verdict of guilty against Defendant Jason Cole for the murder of Rachael Mixson. Additionally, Cole was charged with abuse of a co**se for his treatment of Ms. Mixson body of which he was also found guilty.

The case was investigated by Sgt. Issan Duke, Sgt. Jose Silva and the Phenix City Police Department.

The case was tried by Assistant District Attorney Malory Hatfield and Assistant District Attorney Lauren Brown.

The charges arose after Ms. Mixson’s body was found off Cutrate road on October 21, 2022. It was determined that Ms. Mixson was killed by blunt force head trauma and strangulation by her boyfriend at the time, Jason Cole.

The District Attorney extends appreciation to the entire PCPD for their hard work in solving this horrific crime and especially to FBI Special Agent Jay Berni for whose cell phone location data and testimony was essential to the successful prosecution of the case.
Sentencing will occur with the Honorable A. David Johnson on May 22, 2026 at 9:30 am.

04/14/2026

On Monday, April 14, 2026, a Russell County jury returned a verdict of guilty against Defendant Praather Hiley for the murder of Derante Person. Additionally, Hiley was charged with attempted murder of Garrick Lewis and Justen Johnson and the jury returned a verdict of the lesser included offense of menacing as to both victims.

The case was investigated by Inv. Deon San Nicholas and the Phenix City Police Department.

The case was tried by District Attorney, Rick Chancey, and Chief Deputy Assistant District Attorney, Melissa Thomas.

The charges arose from an incident on June 2, 2022 when Mr. Hiley shot Derante Person twice in the back when he arrived at the mother’s apartment to pick up his child. Upon fleeing the scene, Mr. Hiley then shot at Mr. Lewis and Mr. Johnson. At the time of this incident, Mr Hiley was living with his girlfriend in Phenix City but was on probation out of. Columbus, GA.

The District Attorney extends appreciation to Inv. San Nicholas and the entire PCPD for excellent work in this matter.

Sentencing will occur with Judge James P. Graham. III on a date to be scheduled.

02/06/2026

On February 4, 2026, a Russell County jury returned a guilty verdict on Justin Patterson for one count of Violating the S*x Offender Registration and Notification Act. Patterson was a known s*x offender registered as residing in Russell County. However, after a thorough investigation by law enforcement, led by former Russell County Sgt. Brent Hopkins, it was determined he was residing elsewhere without registering that address with law enforcement. The case was tried by Assistant District Attorney Lauren Lomax Brown. We want to thank you the Russell County Sheriff's Office and the Muscogee County Sherrif’s Office for their help in this investigation and trial.

01/30/2026

Congratulations to Sgt. Andy Langley on his retirement from the Phenix City Police Department. Thank you for your 30 years of service to our community.

01/26/2026

The Russell County District Attorney’s Office will have a delayed opening on January 26, 2026. The office will open when the Judicial Center opens at 10:00 a.m. (ET)

12/09/2025

Congratulations to our very own Starneisha Graham! She was selected as the Alabama Child Support Association Child Support Coordinator of the Year! So proud of her and appreciate her dedication and hard work!

Also, thank you to Cassie and Leigh from the DAs Office and the CS Staff of Russell County Department of Human Resources CS Services for all the hard work that helped earn the 26th Judical Circuit the award for highest increase in collections for Category 3 Offices. The efforts are definitely paying off and making a difference for the citizens of Russell Co.

Congratulations!!!

11/27/2025

🍁🦃Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Russell County District Attorney’s Office🦃🍁

11/11/2025

To all our service men and women, thank you for your service! Happy Veterans Day!