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90-year-old murder suspect dies in hospital
Pittman dies in TRMC after dehydration, kidney failure
Published Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Officials say Tuesday's death of 90-year-old murder suspect Bob PIttman, who refused to eat while incarcerated, won't stop them from presenting this case to the grand jury.
Pittman was charged with the May murder of 82-year-old Doris Adams of Troy, who was found dead in her home from what appeared to be a gunshot wound, according to the warrant filed in the Pike County Circuit Court.
Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said Pittman had to be hospitalized shortly after his arrest because he refused to eat. "He was dehydrated because he wasn’t eating,” Thomas said. “His kidneys were shutting down.”
Thomas said Pittman spent three days in the hospital before returning to the jail. Several days later, he returned to Troy Regional Medical Center again. He had been there for six days when he died Tuesday, Thomas said.
Even though Pittman is now dead, Pike County District Attorney Gary McAliley said he will present evidence to the Pike County Grand Jury on June 24.
“Even though Robert Pittman is now deceased, it’s up to the grand jury to find whether he’s culpable, whether one person acted alone,” McAliley said. “We’ll do it even though he’s dead ... because people have the right to know there’s not another person out there killing people.”
And McAliley said this case is especially important to him because the victim's daughter also lost her father to an unsolved crime. "Her father was killed, and (we) never found out who did it," he said. "We wanted to do everything we could to make sure she knew who murdered her mother."
McAliley said he could not release details of the case, since evidence will be presented in court. However, he said he will release all the details after the grand jury makes a ruling.
He also said he has learned Pittman did have criminal history in California.
Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, who closely watched as Troy Police uncovered evidence in this case, said he believes Pittman was guilty of the crime.
“The police work on this case was extremely detailed, and I’m proud that they put the time and effort to (attempt to prove) the case,” Lunsford said. “The police ballistically matched a bullet fired from the gun that he had purchased shortly before the killing to the bullet that actually inflicted death.”
Lunsford said he struggled to find the words to say after hearing Pittman had died before trial. But while he said he was sorry for the family’s loss, he was certain justice will be served.
“I’m sorry for the Pittman’s family because it’s a wonderful family and good people,” Lunsford said. “Although he didn’t go before the judge and jury here on earth, I feel like appropriate punishment is being administered as we speak.”
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Comments
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to the Troy Messenger for getting this story out before other sources.
This is the second alleged murderer to beat punishment by death.
Posted by bdhs4 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Terrible article Holli. You need some writing skills!
Posted by stumpjumper (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now he will answer for his crime to a higher court and the Supreme Judge...hate to be in his shoes.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bdhs4 , this forum is not an English class . If you want to cricize Holli do it in a personal way and not hide behind your code name . Phone or e-mail her but I'm sick and tired of you perfectionist expecting everyone to be perfect .
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A-men elvis2
Posted by White_Lightning1 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If D.A. McAliley said he could not release details of the case, since evidence will be presented in court, then why would Mayor Lundsford say further down in the article, “The police ballistically matched a bullet fired from the gun that he had purchased shortly before the killing to the bullet that actually inflicted death.” D'oh!
Posted by MessengerReader23 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm OK with bdhs making comments about the quality of writing. One part of being in a forum is to have the public check the journalists on the quality of their work, whether it is the story idea or how it is executed. Journalists should be held up to the scrutiny of the public, whether or not the critics choose to use their own name or not. It's how writers get better and how the public determines whether or not the newspaper if providing an important public service or merely existing to promote empty civic pride and sell ads. I support anything that holds journalists to the highest possible standards and even though bdhs didn't offer particularly constructive criticism in this case, people should (and will) continue to be critical of what they read in the newspaper.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
reader23,I am glad to know that part of the reason I post on this forum is to grade the journalist.I never knew that before.
Posted by MessengerReader23 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad to tell you why you exist. Ask any time.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mess.Reader23 , your wrong as to what this forum is about . It's main purpose is to comment on the subject and the subject is not about the writer of the article . You come across as a smart ass who "THINKS" they are perfect. I have serious doubts that you could perform half as well as Holli. Why not let her employer decide her ability as your not capable to do so .
Posted by White_Lightning1 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great point MessengerReader23. In this day and age of the internet, blogs, the down economy, etc., newspapers could be rapidly on their way to mass extinction. A newspaper, or any business for that matter, has to really be at the top of their game everyday to stay relevant and competitive. As a paperboy for the Troy Mess from way back in the day (it took years to get all that newsprint off my hands), I'm rooting for the paper to be the best it can and should be for this town.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
reader23 I didn't ask you a question,and doubt I ever will.I agree with elvis2 about you being a smart ass.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"criminal history in California","gun that he purchased before the killing", dose anyone see something wrong with these statements being applied to the same person.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dog65,it was posted on here when the story first broke that he had been in prison in Calf.for murder.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What I want to know is how he purchased a gun with a criminal record? Did he purchase it from an individual who did not know he was a felon? Did a gun dealer not run a back ground check?
Check the Sexual offenders list, you may be surprised how close some live to you.
Posted by wareagle222 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I must have missed the story about his prior record. Does he have family in this area, is that why he is here?
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I must have missed something to. I do not remember type of weapon being used mentioned in previous news article or that he had previous been convicted of murder. I remember a post saying that he had served time in California.
I have heard that he had family in the area, but I do not know whom or where he was buried.
Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This one will end up becoming a "Lifetime Original Movie."
Posted by wareagle222 (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Off topic but does anybody know what happened to Mrs. Adam's husband? It refers to him being killed and the killer never being found, just curious.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How very sad that the daughter lost both parents to murder. My thoughts and prayers to her and her family.
I was wondering the same thing dog...
How can Mr Pittman purchase a gun with a prior criminal record.....and for all things...another "murder"?
Posted by YEM (anonymous) on June 17, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If that is the case, Bamabunny, then the person who sold the gun should be held responsible as well. (If the proper legal proceedings for the purchase did not take place). However, I do not know gun laws, because I am not a big fan of weapons.
I hope the best for the family.
I understand the judicial system wanting to "make sure" but it really sounds like a waste of taxpayers' money, especially in this recession.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
13A-11-72 Code of Alabama Certain persons forbidden to possess pistol.
(a) No person who has been convicted in this state or elsewhere of committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence shall own a pistol or have one his or her possession or under his or her control.
Other sections of the law covers deadly weapons, sword canes, firearm cones, brass knuckles and sling shots.
I am a supporter of the Second Amendment, the right to own firearms. That right is forfeited when someone violates the rights of others.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pike County has 17 unsolved murders pending, see WTVY.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
See also Dothan Eagle, it tells type of weapon used and area found. Why do we have to go to other news sources to find out what is going on in Pike County?
Posted by pecia29 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My mother rented a mobile home from Mr. Pittman in rural Pike County. I am so glad that something frightened her enough to move.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree YEM.
Thing is too that there is a 3 day wait before the actual purchase can take place. The "Brady Law". It is up to the police/sheriff department to do the background check for the license.
Anyone that sold him that gun...that did not see a license would be liable and could lose his license to sell arms.
For pecia29
You have struck my curiousity. May I ask what the main reason was that your mother felt she needed to move?
Posted by chookman (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All those questions posed by posters to this forum are questions that should have been raised by the newspaper''s reporter and all the background should be in each article so readers aren't confused.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder too how much time Mr Pittman served in California for "murder" and what the parole circumstances were for him to even be released?
The victims/families of such crimes have a life sentence and the murderer gets released on parole.
There's something wrong with that picture.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point chookman.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There use to be a 3 day waiting period. The last time I purchased a firearm the dealer went on line or made a phone call. The dealer gave my identification and got permission to sell me the firearm. The background check was done in minutes.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NICS: The National Instant Criminal Background Check System
"Mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 and launched by the FBI on November 30,1998, NICS is used by Federal Firearms Licensees to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms----------more than 100 million such checks have been made in the last decade, leading to more than 700,000 denials."
Posted by blissfullygreen (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no waiting period if you buy a gun out of the trunk of a car.
It is ridiculous to present this case to the grand jury. Mr. Pittman was guilty of this crime, he had no accomplice and there are NO murderers running loose in Pike County--well, not connected to this case anyway.
It is a waste of tax payers money to continue with this case. The defendant is dead. Why didn't the state do the same when Mrs. Edna Reeves' killer was finally identified? They just announced he was the murderer and he was dead. No grand jury presentment. Is this just another way for the DA to get free publicity? I think so.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
blissfullygreen, you are 100 per cent right . Anyone can buy guns, drugs or even sex if they so desire . Most crimes committed with firearms are done with illegal ones , not ones purchased thru a store .
Your also probably right about the DA too . It has already been proven according to what we read that he was guilty , so why waste more money .
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder too just how many shootings are actually done by registered guns?
Yes blissfullygreen...very true about the sale of guns.
I mentioned the 3 day wait....because it was the law. But if someone is going to kill another...I doubt they would do it with their own registered gun.
But law abiding people are the ones that do register and get a permits.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting post on background checks dog....
"...........more than 100 million such checks have been made in the last decade, leading to more than 700,000 denials."
We will never know how many lives were saved by these "denials".
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not believe it is over. Someone sold a gun to a criminal, someone violated the law. If the FBI made a mistake in there background check it needs to be fixed. Should we ignore the fact that someone sold a gun out of the trunk of a car, are they selling more guns to potential murderers? Is there someone else packing their bag for a trip to California?
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
uglydog65 , I can see your point but there is no way that all guns can be traced and finding who sold the gun is like looking for the needle in a hay stack .That gun could have been bought anywhere between California and Troy . Yes there are guns being sold out of the trunks of cars , in homes , etc. right this minute . Law enforcement has an impossible job trying to stop such and they do prosecute when they do apprehend those doing the selling . I doubt that the FBI makes very many mistakes in their checking but again there has to be a record cocerning that person and sometimes there isn't . It's a sad situation but short of confiscation of all weapons there is no way to stop it . Bills like the Brady Bill help but those turned down from purchasing a gun legally sometimes buy illegally. I think most of the ones commenting on this forum possibly own a gun of some sort. I own three myself.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I own several guns myself and support the right of every US citizen to legally own and protect them self with a firearm. Everyone believes there is a push on to do away with the Second Amendment. It has become impossible to find some ammunition and gun sales are through the roof with prices. Illegal guns may destroy our right to legally own guns. Several years ago on TV, 6 convicted felons were interviewed. They were asked what the feared most, their answer was "the home owner with a gun".
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are laws broken every minute do you think we should stop trying to enforce them because so many are broken.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dog65,with him being 90 years old and if he was in jail as ayoung man the back ground check may not have went far enough back.As for me if they did away with the second amendment I would still own my guns and would be breaking the law because I am going to protect myself,my family and home.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that every effort should be made to stop illegal gun sales and it's true too as you say that it may hinder our rights to own a gun .
A friend of mine brought it to my attention after I'd posted that a bill of sale was found in his possession where he had bought the gun shortly before this happened . If that is the case your wish may be fulfilled of prosecuting the seller . I think you are right that this does warrant a presentation of all the evidence so all this can be brought forth . Thanks for showing me a new viewpoint.
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Too many people die accidentally, they don't need any help from a DUI or someone with a gun.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As for it costing the tax payers,the grand jury will be in session for more than this case so it won't cost anymore for them to look at this case which I am sure wouldn't take very long.
Posted by 2cats (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last time I checked, in this country, people were innocent until proven guilty. None of you know what the evidence in this case is. The DA even states that the evidence will not be released until after the grand jury.
The comments the mayor made in this article are completely inappropriate. Someone in his position has absolutely no business making statements about a person's guilt or innocence before the case even goes to trial. It is definitely not his call to say what kind of judgement Mr. Pittman is receiving after death.
Another thing I find interesting, where is the attorney for Mr. Pittman? I thought everyone was guaranteed a right to an attorney and my understanding is, even after requesting the court to appoint him an attorney, he never had a visit from an attorney.
Would any of you want to be convicted of a crime based on your past, hearsay, no attorney representation, or before you even had a chance to have a day in court? I don't think so!
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironically I heard on my car radio yesterday that a gun was found in a "swamp" re: Mr. Pittman's case...and evidence against him. And if they found a receipt for the purchase of this gun supposedly used to end the life of Ms. Adams...I'd like to see the person that sold that gun to Mr. Pittman dragged into court for breaking the law.
But as some said here....why a "Grand Jury investigation"? Is someone trying to make a name for themselves?
If there are some legal issues by law that must be presented to a judge...why not a closed court with a judge only? Then both sides present their case without a "grand Jury".
Posted by onedeer (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The mayor had no right to use the Messenger to make personal remarks about this case BEFORE it goes to the grand jury. He certainly has no right to determine Mr. Pittman's eternal destination!
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A valid point onedeer.
Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It will not be a waste of taxpayers money to present it to the Grand Jury because they will be hearing multiple cases at that time also... another reason to present it to the Grand Jury that in order for Mrs. Adams family to recieve assistance from a commission set up in this state for victims of crime to help with her final expences there has to be an indictment... I know Mrs. Adams is already burried and all and I am sure her family would rather have her here than the money but I am also sure that her family would appreciate any kindness that is extended their way...my prayers are with both families...
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