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
Russellville Hospital celebrates 50 years of care
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville Hospital marked 50 years of service with a celebration Friday honoring its history, staff and continued commitment to cari...
Conduct policy set for youth sports
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RED BAY — City leaders have adopted new behavior standards for youth sports, approving a policy that outlines how coaches, parents and spectators are ...
Derrick: Spend the moments you have with your family
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — In August 2018, Marcy Derrick learned she had breast cancer. She works as a buyer in manufacturing, sourcing parts and supplies to keep...
East Franklin Junior High holds fall festival
News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL -- East Franklin Junior High celebrated fall with its annual fall festival. Activities included games, food, fun and prizes. Freshman El...
Truancy affects student success long-term
Columnists, Opinion
October 22, 2025
Behind every struggling student, there’s often a family that needs support. Truancy — unexcused absences from school — can range from occasional misse...
How we can address gun violence together
Columnists, Opinion
October 22, 2025
As Montgomery continues to process the recent gun violence tragedy and many offer their thoughts and prayers, as a state lawmaker, I want to contribut...
October is optimal time to get flu vaccine
News, Russellville
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Flu shots are expected to be available in abundance, and this is the best time of the year to get them, officials said. “Flu shots shou...
Service dog helps mom manage dysautonomia
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — For years, Anna Mosley didn’t understand the complications she experienced. She fainted in middle school, often felt light-headed and f...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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