Four suspects detained in connection with an October 2022 murder that took place in Andalusia are not allowed to post bond by the Anian’s Law.
In the 22nd Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Derrick Demetrius Thomas Jr., Teddy Donnell Cozart, Siyonesty Marchelle Gill and Le’Morion Lorenzo Fantroy, all from Evergreen were at court last week for the Aniah’s Law hearings. District Attorney Walt Merrell requested the defendants not to be granted bond due to Aniah’s Law, which allows judges to detain defendants accused of violent crimes, such as murder and homicide, in accordance with certain conditions.
The suspects are all accused of the homicide of Treyvous Cobbins, also of Evergreen who was killed repeatedly in the parking area at the Foxwood Apartments in Andalusia. The district attorney informed the District judge Julie S. Moody that there were no conditions to release that could guarantee that the defendants make their court appearances or guarantee the safety of the community.
In the course of proceedings the court heard that the investigation revealed that Cobbins was going to testify, perhaps being a witness for Isaac Broughton, in an coming murder trial within Conecuh County. Broughton is a relative of Thomas as well as Cozart. Cobbins was believed to have been lured into Foxwood. Foxwood apartment complex, where he was shot several times when he left. The investigation, carried out by Andalusia Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency -is also indicating that this murder had been planned ahead by the defendants.
Following the hearing, Judge Moody heard evidence during the hearing the judge Moody decided in favor of the district attorney’s office. He the defendants were denied bond and ruled that it was an “murder hired” and all four were involved in planning the murder, and three receiving money for the crime. The judge also pointed out that Thomas was a participant in ambushing Cobbins and delivering the fatal shot to the head. Cozart was a key player in getting Cobbins towards The Foxwood Apartments with the intention to kill the man.
Merrell claimed he fought for the implementation to Aniah’s Law to withhold bond in order to protect the public, and also due to the possibility of defendants being charged by a grand juror for the crime of capital murder which would result in the death penalty. Death penalty as per Merrell is a significant risk of a risk of flight.
The Andalusia Police Department has stated that the investigation is still ongoing and there is a possibility of more arrests in the investigation.
The case of the four defendants being held is scheduled to be considered by the Covington county grand jury on September.
The article Four suspects in an Andalusia murder case refused bond was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
