Alabama – An Alabama man was ordered to spend the rest of his Iife behind bars after he was convicted of capitaI murder for the death of 28‑year‑old T. PuIIom. The jury reached its verdict in just 15 minutes. During sentencing, all jurors unanimously recommended Iife in prison without the possibility of paroIe—even though the defendant had reportedly expressed a desire to be execcuted.
The case emerged from a fatal incident that took place in the victim’s Alabama, where both she and her baby were present. In Nov. 2023, a grand jury indicted the defendant on capitaI murder charges, citing the aggravating factor that the crime occurred in the presence of a child under 14.
Evidence presented at trial included a videotaped confession in which the defendant admitted to firing the fatal shot that caused his girIfriend’s death. Jurors watched the recording over the course of the proceedings.
Before the sentencing phase, the defendant chose against presenting any mitigating evidence, a decision his defense counsel described as tantamount to sulcide. Attorney McDanieI warned that declining to offer mitigating factors would likely lead the jury toward recommending the death penaIty. Judge Shantta confirmed with the defendant multiple times that he understood the consequences of his waiver. Despite cautionary advice from both his attorney and the court, Marshall maintained his wish to present no defense.
During sentencing, the victim’s mother delivered an emotional victim‑impact statement. She described her daughter as pleasant and full of joy, and spoke tearfully about the emptiness left in the family since her death. She emphasized the challenge of raising the victim’s son, saying, “There has not been a day that has gone by that I have not cried,” and she underscored the importance of shielding her grandson from hate.
After the emotional testimony, the defendant requested to make a private apology to the victim’s family outside the presence of the jury. In a statement allowed by the court, he said, “I took her daughter from her… I took my son’s mother from him. I’m sorry. She did not deserve it. She deserves to be with her son”,
The defendant remains in county jail awaiting formal sentencing, which is scheduled for July 28. Under Alabama law, capital murder charges—including those aggravated by the presence of a child—can carry either the death penalty or life in prison without parole. In this case, the jury’s choice reflects both procedural compliance and a respect for the gravity of the crime .
No additional motions or appeals have been filed to date. Prosecutors and law enforcement have affirmed that they will continue supporting the victim’s family and working to ensure justice is fully served. The formal sentencing and any subsequent appeals will become part of the court record as the case progresses.