Man Charged with Triple Homicide and Kidnapping Makes Court Appearance

Abernathy, Donnie LeeThe man arrested in connection with the murder of three woman and the kidnapping of yet another in Cherokee County last month, was in Cherokee County District Court this week.

Donnie Lee Abernathy had been scheduled for arraignment on December 17th however his attorneys requested a continuance, which was granted by District Judge Wes Mobley.

Abernathy was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center back on November 16th on charges of Capital Murder, Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree and Attempting to Elude.

Authorities responded to a 9-1-1 call shortly after midnight in an isolated area of the Round Mountain community on County Road 664.

Abernathy was attempting to flee the scene in a Ford Mustang, when he sideswiped a patrol unit and headed toward Sand Rock; the chase ended a short time later when Abernathy lost control of the car and wrecked.

A female who was abducted at the residence, 25 year old Jerrica Hamilton, of Cedar Bluff was in the vehicle when the accident occurred; she was carried to a local hospital, where she was treated and released. Abernathy was treated at the same facility prior to his being taken to jail.

According to Coroner Jeremy Deaton, three woman were fatally injured in the shooting – 71 year old Sylvia Sue Duffe (Duffy), Clara Lee Edwards age 68, and Pamela Collette O’Shel age 49, all of Centre.

Another shooting victim, identified as John McClung of a Round Mountain address, survived his wounds after being air-lifted to UAB for treatment.

Abernathy will remain in the Cherokee County Detention Center until he goes to trial.

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