Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
3:50 pm Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Death sentence a sad end to story

By Staff
Staff editorial
Franklin County Times
The last chapter in one of the most heinous crimes in the history of Red Bay was written Monday when Franklin County Circuit Judge Terry Dempsey sentenced Jody Wayne Waldrop to death for killing his infant son in September 2005.
Dempsey heard statements from the state and the defense prior to passing sentence in the case.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing asked for the judge to impose the death penalty in the case.
"Eye for an Eye" justice is a cold part of the legal system, and is typically reserved for the most obscene of crimes.
The murder of an infant at the hands of his father certainly ranks among the most vile of the vile.
After all the legal push and pull, Judge Dempsey said that he had no doubt that Waldrop engaged in conduct that killed the victim in this case.
Waldrop is the first person in Franklin County to ever be given the death penalty.
In the end, there are only three people who will ever know what happened that Autumn day: Jody Waldrop, baby Chance and God. While many disagree with imposing death on such a case, it seems very fitting considering the crime.

Also on Franklin County Times
Safety is a priority throughout holidays; use fire alarms and have a safety plan
Main, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
November 26, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — As temperatures drop and the use of heaters, ovens and space heaters increases, members of the Russellville Fire Department are urging ...
Farm Day at the stockyard: Up-close look at agriculture
Main, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
November 26, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — More than 250 third graders from schools across Franklin County learned about livestock, natural resources and food production during t...
RCS retirees reminisce, show gratitude
Lifestyles
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
November 26, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Retirees for the city schools system were honored Nov. 14 at Russellville Middle School for their years of service. Former RMS principa...
Judith “Judi” Ann Ayers
Obituaries
November 26, 2025
Nov. 16, 2025 Judith “Judi” Ann Ayers, 80, of Russellville passed away Nov. 16 at Burns Nursing Home. Judi was always a hard worker, a great cook and ...
Ruby Lee Streetman Britton
Obituaries
November 26, 2025
Nov. 23, 2025 Ruby Lee Streetman Britton, 92, of Belgreen passed away Nov. 23. Visitation took place Nov. 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Spry Memorial Ch...
‘Every Light a Prayer for Peace’ returns Dec. 4
Opinion
HERE AND NOW
Susie Hovater Malone Columnist 
November 26, 2025
As a member of the Russellville Cultura Garden Club, every year I look forward to our local “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” ceremony on the courthous...
Without newspapers, transparency declines
Columnists, Opinion
November 26, 2025
Two recent studies looked at the process of submitting public records and FOIA requests, including how news deserts correlate to poor compliance. Davi...
Copeland scores 26 in Golden Tigers win
High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Bart Moss For the FCT 
November 26, 2025
Ella Copeland scored 26 points to help Russellville run away from Phil Campbell 56-30 on Nov. 17. The Golden Tigers put the game away early, outscorin...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *