On May 22, an Aniah’s Law hearing was held in Pike County District Court for Adrian Moultry Jr., who has been charged with the May 3 murder of 20-year-old Nyreesh Smith. Moultry was denied bond on the charge.

The purpose of Aniah’s Law is to provide judges in Alabama with more authority to deny bail to individuals charged with some of the most serious crimes, including murder.

According to 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox, testimony and evidence presented at the hearing showed that at the time of the murder, Moultry was out on bond in felony drug offenses in both Pike and Dale Counties.

According to Tarbox, on the night of the murder, Moultry allegedly wore all black, a hoodie and a mask. Moultry was present at a party at a residence on Dunn Circle in Troy. When police arrived on scene, Moultry allegedly approached Smith and fired four times, followed by standing over Smith and firing two more shots.

The murder was captured on video surveillance at the residence of the party, according to Tarbox. Moultry was positively identified by his face on the video when he pulled his mask and hoodie down prior to the murder, said Tarbox. Moultry was also allegedly identified by multiple witnesses that were interviewed following the murder.

“The State contended that defendant Moultry is a danger to public safety and has proven that he is not going to conform his conduct to our community standards, as evidenced by his now three pending felony charges in two counties,” Tarbox said. “We are grateful that the court has agreed with our arguments this matter.”

Moultry will remain in custody at Pike County Jail.