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Deputy exonerated in Augustshooting 

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Posted: Friday, December 20, 2013 11:19 pm

FLORENCE — A Lauderdale County grand jury has determined the actions of a sheriff's deputy involved in a shooting death were justified, courthouse officials said.

Chief Deputy Jr. Witt said he was notified Friday afternoon of the grand jury's decision that cleared Sgt. Joe Hamilton of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of Mitchell Keith Campbell.

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Courthouse officials said the case, investigated by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, was presented during the November grand jury session and the one that concluded Friday.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said Barry Mattson, deputy director of the Office of Prosecution Services, presented the case.

"This is a tragedy, but we felt confident all along that Sgt. Hamilton acted properly," Witt said. "After the ABI finished its investigation, the case was sent to the grand jury for them to hear the evidence and the testimony. They made the final decision."

Campbell, 31, was shot Aug. 10 outside his residence at 2123 Lauderdale 277 in the Central Heights community northwest of Florence.

Hank Sherrod, a Florence attorney who is representing Campbell's family, said Friday he knew the case was being presented to the grand jury, but declined comment about the decision.

Authorities said the shooting occurred after three deputies and a reserve deputy went to a residence on a disturbance call and then went to Campbell's house, which is 100-150 yards away, and heard random shots.

Court officials said the deputies positioned themselves around the house and when Campbell, who was outside the residence, put down his rifle, deputies identified themselves as being with the Sheriff's Department and approached the house.

Authorities said Campbell reportedly then picked up a .22-caliber rifle and raised it, pointing it at a deputy.

That's when Hamilton fired at Campbell, authorities said.

"Sgt. Hamilton reacted to the situation, just as he has been trained to do," Witt said.

Hamilton has been on administrative leave with pay since the shooting. Witt said he will be back on duty within the next few days.

"It's unfortunate, truly a tragic situation, that has taken a toll on everyone involved," Witt said. "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Campbell family.

"Now, that the grand jury has made it's decision, hopefully, we can move on."

Last edited by smokey1
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Originally Posted by Kate Colombo:

Since the DA's office presented the facts of the case to the grand jury, if the deputy is the ADA's husband, did the grand jury know that? Certainly Joe is about the most common name around and Hamilton isn't that rare, so was just wondering...

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The DA didn't present the facts of the case. Someone from the Office of Prosection Services presented the case. That was told in the TD story I posted. 

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