Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Investigation Into Murder of Alabama Lawyer Produces Two More Arrests

Blake Lazenby

Two more arrests have been made in the murder of Alabama lawyer Blake Lazenby, bringing the total to four. The latest arrests include a man who, according to our reports, played a peculiar role in a divorce case that was ongoing at the time of Blake Lazenby's death.

Earnest James Files Jr., 56, of Alexander City, and Charles Andrew Joseph Hendrix, 21, of Birmingham, had initial court appearances on Tuesday before Talladega County Circuit Judge Julian King. Reports the Talladega Daily Home:

Files was formally charged with one count each of criminal solicitation of murder and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. Hendrix was charged with two counts of capital murder committed during a burglary in the first degree. Hendrix was also charged with one count of theft of property in the first degree, for allegedly stealing a 2009 GMC Yukon that belonged to Lazenby.

King set Files’ bond at $1 million. Hendrix’s bond in the theft case was set at $500,000, but because he is facing capital charges, he will not be allowed to post a bond on the murder counts.

Previously arrested in the case were Ocie Lee Lynch and Calvin McCall Haynes, both of Birmingham.

Files is by far the most interesting figure arrested in the case so far. That's because his name appeared in a divorce case that Geanne Elder Lazeby had filed against Blake Lazenby. The divorce case was ongoing at the time Blake Lazenby was murdered.

We first raised Files' name in a post titled "Did Hardball Tactics In a Divorce Case Lead to the Murder of Alabama Lawyer?" From that report:

The Birmingham firm of Smith Spires & Peddy made an appearance, on June 6, 2011--almost three years after the case had begun. SSP lawyers A. Joe Peddy and Tamera Erskine joined the fray on Blake Lazenby's behalf, even though neither they nor their firm appear to have experience in divorce law.

They filed the subpoenas on non parties, and to our eyes, the documents appear to constitute a "fishing expedition," at best. At worst, they appear to have been used for nasty, strong-arm purposes. Who were recipients of the subpoenas, and what information was sought? Here is a summary:

* Custodian of Medical Records, Alabama Women's Specialist, Birmingham--All records pertaining to the treatment and/or diagnosis of Geanne E. Lazenby, including services rendered and financial records.

* Custodian of Medical Records, Craddock Clinic, Sylacauga--All records pertaining to the treatment and/or diagnosis of Geanne E. Lazenby, including services rendered and financial records.

* Custodian of Records, Coosa County Sheriff's Office--All police reports and investigative documents related to any allegations or claims made by Geanne E. Lazenby against Earnest Files, DOB: 10/31/1955.

We found the subpoena regarding Earnest Files to be particularly odd:

The information sought in the third subpoena is truly baffling. Who in the heck is Earnest Files, of Coosa County, Alabama, and what was the relevance of any police reports Mrs. Lazenby had filed about him?

We checked the Web site for the Coosa County Sheriff's Office and found this item dated April 1, 2011:

Earnest James Files Jr. of Kellyton, AL was arrested on charges of Harassing Communication and Criminal Trespassing. He was processed and released on bond to await trial.

Did Geanne Lazenby file a report regarding Mr. Files? If so, why did her husband's lawyers want the information--and how did they intend to use it? Why was it a factor in the Lazenby v. Lazenby divorce case?

The Talladega Daily Home shines new light on Earnest Files' connections to Geanne Lazenby:

According to documents obtained through the Coosa County Sheriff’s Department, Geanne Lazenby, who was living in Alexander City, filed a harassing communications and criminal trespass complaint against Files on March 28, 2011. According to her complaint, Files called her cell phone more than 100 times in less than a week, including once while a deputy was taking her statement. She said she had repeatedly told him not to call her, and added that he had visited her home on two occasions in spite of being told not to come by, either.

Files turned himself in for harassing communications and posted a $500 bond on April 1.

The case was dismissed “with leave to reinstate” on May 25, and Files was ordered to have no further contact with Geanne Lazenby.

Why were Blake Lazenby's lawyers interested in a criminal complaint that Geanne Lazenby filed against Earnes Files? Why was that relevant to the Lazenby v. Lazenby divorce case?

We still don't have the answers to those questions. But we figured the murder investigation eventually would turn in Mr. Files' direction. And now that, in fact, has happened.

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Geanne Elder Lazenby >>>> Ernest Files >>>> Murder of Blake Lazenby.

All links together, now doesn't it??

Anonymous said...

His wife had him killed simple as that.

Anonymous said...

Not the former Miss Sylacauga? Not the great and wonderful ex-wife? Not the "nose up in the air, I'm too good to speak" ex-wife. Not the "I want it ALL in the divorce" ex-wife? Not the fire all attorneys that don't tell you that you will not "get it ALL" ex-wife? Surely you jest... LOL

legalschnauzer said...

The facts on all of this are unknown.

In fairness to Mrs. Lazenby, it should be pointed out that the divorce case was being handled in an irregular manner. Judge Fannin clearly should have recused himself, and almost all of Mrs. Lazenby's lawyers stated such in various motions. The judge's ethics clearly are called into question here, and Mr. Lazenby's lawyers were behaving like glorified thugs.

It's a shame that Mr. Lazenby is dead, but there were some dishonorable actions involved in the divorce case. Focusing only on Mrs. Lazenby, in my view, is unfair.

Anonymous said...

Given the known facts what scenario fits? The wife hired Files and he kept calling wanting more money or he'd squeal? Or someone's being set up? The rig got out of control? What?

legalschnauzer said...

I'll withhold my judgment on that because I don't know what happened. I do know, however, that the judge and certain lawyers in the divorce case behaved in very questionable fashion. And I suspect that helped cause emotions to get out of hand. I'm not suggesting that anyone deserved to be killed. But, to me, this sounds like a classic case of the "justice" system taking a problem and making it worse, rather than finding a solution. I've seen that happen a lot. A judge from another county should have been hearing the case. There is no question about that, under the law.

Anonymous said...

The beauty of being able to post as anonymous should allow someone who happens to land here doing a search the opportunity to set the record straight without getting involved. The truth is known by some. Do a good deed and at least post the truth as you know it as a possible theory.

Anonymous said...

Someone claiming to be Blake's friend posted this comment on another website. Is what the poster posts true? Is there only one person with a clear motive? I think most lawyers have people who are displeased with them. Another thought, someone could have been acting on the wife's behalf without her knowledge. Another problem as I see it, a person who will kill for money will also lie for money. Here's the post: Ah -- the noose tightens! Wonder who is next?? As a friend of Blake's, I have a feeling there is at least ONE more out there. The gutless yellow-bellied person who instigated this horrendous murder, and the one and ONLY person with a motive to want Blake dead. It's coming. RIP my dear friend Blake. I miss you!

Anonymous said...

As of today 4 people have been charged in Mr. Lazenby's death and they are ALL sitting in jail. Can you see any of them taking the "needle in the arm" for Ms. Lazenby? I think one of them is about to sing like a bird........Stay tuned. The District Attorney said, "the investigation is ongoing".

Anonymous said...

Why is everybody beating around the bush? Mr. Files was Geanne Lazenby's "yard man". He raked the yard brought in firewood ect.. The only question at this point is- Was that the only service he was performing? Geanne told anyone that would listen about her divorce woes. She was convinced that Blake was spying on her and had her phones and computer bugged. After a couple of years of that kind of mental warfare- something had to give.

Anonymous said...

It certainly seems to me that the Schnauzer is fixated on the possibility that Mr. Lazenby's lawyers were somehow mistreating Mrs. Lazenby. I have to call "bullshit" on that theory. This was a long, protracted divorce war-with no apparent end in sight and no fair nor reasonable way to satisfy Mrs. Lazenby's greed and vindictiveness. Files name surfaced in the murder investigation very early as the man who arranged the murder. This was particularly interesting as there allegedly existed some sort of long term personal relationship between Files and Mrs. Lazenby. Schnauzer, you may want to dig deeper into Coosa county and see if there were other charges by Mrs. Lazenby involving Files and what might have happened between the two of them. Those charges may have been dismissed at her insistance. I do not know, nor state this information as fact, nor do I accuse anyone of anything, but--YOU need to dig deeper to get at the truth.

legalschnauzer said...

I will continue to dig. Schnauzers are known for that. The whole Files angle was broken right here and only addressed two days ago in the mainstream press. My main concern is not with Mr. Lazenby's lawyers, although it seems they were playing pretty rough. The big issue, in my mind, is with Judge Fannin. The law clearly called for his recusal. If he had stepped down, I suspect Blake Lazenby would be alive today. As far as greed on either party's part, I don't know about that. I don't see signs of it in the record, but divorce cases can get emotional and can make folks a little nuts, I suspect. I do see signs in the record that Mrs. Lazenby thought she was being railroaded. And the file shows she had good reason to think that.

Robby Scott Hill said...

The Alabama Legal Community continues to be plagued by a Supreme Court and Bar Association that will not discipline its most wayward members while seeking to bring the house down on any Black or Poor White who is not in strict compliance with each and every rule.

Anonymous said...

You give yourself way too much credit "Mr. Legal Schauzer"! The Files angle wasn't broken on here. You yourself asked "Who is Files and what is his relevance". Everyone in Sylacauga, Coosa County and Talladega knew who Files was and what his and Geanne Elder Lazenby's connection was. There wasn't a nicer man than Blake Lazenby. Whether you think Judge Fannin should have recused himself from hearing their divorce case is neither hear nor there. The "injustice" , Mr. Legal Schnauzer, is to Blake Lazenby who was gruesomely murdered in his own home by several assailants and by you who from the beginning of your blogs glorifies Geanne Lazenby as being treated unjustly and villainizes the victim, Blake, and the justice system. Hopefully, justice will prevail for the true victim, Blake Lazenby, in the end!

legalschnauzer said...

I was the first journalist to raise the issue of Mr. Files. That is fact.

Judge Fannin should have recused himself , under the law. That is fact. Court records show that it's standard procedure for judges in one county to recuse from a divorce case that involves a lawyer who regularly appears before them--or even if his firm regularly appears before him.

Judge Fannin's failure to recuse is not a matter of "neither here nor there." It is central to this matter. The judge acted in a corrupt fashion, and I wouldn't be surprised if that contributed greatly to Blake Lazenby's death.

I don't know if Mrs. Lazenby had anything to do with her husband's murder. I hope not. But there is no question she had valid reasons for feeling she was being railroaded in court. I've read the court file from beginning to end, and the law is clear that Fannin was required to recuse.

Anonymous said...

Blake Lazenby was a crook. It wouldn't surprise me if it turned out his sleazy ways came back to bite him. When some people are stomped into the mud by a crook, they blog like Schnauzer. Some take more drastic action. Not everyone is as self-controlled as Schnauzer. Lazenby was an "honorable" member of the state bar who chaired the Disciplinary Board. The odds of the bar ever affording someone relief from his corruption would have been nil.

Anonymous said...

Hey Schnauzer, Has anyone told you what transpired 13 days (concerning their divorce) before Blake was so savagely murdered? Doesn't sound like it. You need to dig around for the truth about Geanne before you put her up on a pedestal. Or just sit back and wait, she will be answering many many questions about her actions especially the 13 days before Blake was murdered up to immediately after. Or wait... I bet she takes the 5th!! I understand she has already hired a defense attorney. Why oh why if she is innocent!!

legalschnauzer said...

No, I'm not aware of what happened 13 days before the murder. If it's not in the court file, I'm probably not aware of it.

By the way, my intent is not to put Mrs. Lazenby, or anyone else, on a pedestal. My intent is to point out that, under the law, the judge should have recused himself. In fact, he was required to recuse himself.

I don't know about Mrs. Lazenby's mindset. But if I had been in her shoes, and the judge in this case refused to recuse, I would think I was getting screwed.

This sounds harsh, but I think there is blood on Judge Fannin's hands. If he had done what was required under the law, I suspect Blake Lazenby would still be alive. Don't know if facts to be learned in the future will prove me right. But there is no doubt the judge acted improperly in the case. And that can be dangerous in any legal proceeding, where emotions tend to run high.

No matter what you might think of G. Lazenby, she deserved a tribunal that at least gave the appearance of being fair. She didn't get it, and that should be troubling to everyone, on both sides of this matter.

I know what it's like to go up against not only a difficult opposing party, but also his corrupt lawyer and a corrupt judge. I can tell you that it's not fun.

I don't know enough yet to label the actions of Judge Fannin and the B. Lazenby lawyers as "corrupt." But the judge clearly mishandled things. And the B. Lazenby lawyers were playing hardball when I'm not sure it was warranted. The lawyers who engaged in hardball entered the case very late, not long before B. Lazenby's murder.

Anonymous said...

Blake Lazenby had not seen his daughter in over 2 years at the time of his death. A daughter (his only child) that he loved more than life itself. Why don't you do some digging into what Geanne Lazenby had put Blake through during the past 3 years of his life?

Anonymous said...

Genie: Was that your post at 1:03 pm. Its gonna be rough keeping that boufant puffed at the "Big House"! I'm sure there are going to be some bull dykes that look forward to meeting you. If you thought the "Filer" was equipped, wait till you meet these old gals.

Anonymous said...

If Files was ONLY Geanne Lazenby's yardman why were they seen together MANY times at various establishments together including Talladega County Courthouse? Her "yard" or should I say the house where she lived was on Lake Martin in Coosa County. And believe me you there's not much yard there.

Anonymous said...

You know Schnauzer from the very beginning you have harped on how Geanne was abused by the court system. She talked to everyone that would listen about how every lawyer she hired was "in cahoots" with Blake. GIVE ME A BREAK!! And blood on Judge Fannin's hands??? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING!! The only people with blood on their hands are the 4 in jail and at least ONE MORE TO GO!!!

Anonymous said...

The harassing communications case was dismissed “with leave to reinstate” on May 25, and Files was ordered to have no further contact with Geanne Lazenby.

Did you know that Geanne DID NOT show up for court. WHY????

I believe that she was starting to set Files up in the Spring of 2011 by filing these charges. MOO (My Opinion Only)

legalschnauzer said...

Anon at 2:05:

Not sure I understand what you are saying. Are you saying that G. Lazenby was trying to set up Files a few months before the murder took place? Does that mean you think Files didn't do it? When I hear the term that someone has been "set up" for a crime, I tend to think that means he's been fingered for something he didn't do? If G. Lazenby hired Files to commit murder on her behalf, wouldn't she have wanted attention turned away from Files, not toward him?

Anonymous said...

Schnauz: The rumor is that Mrs. Lazenby was in a relationship with Mr. Files. After she had him hooked, and allegedly talked into the murder, she filed the harrasment charges ( did YOU check to see if she allegedly filed some sort of sexual charge in Coosa County against Mr. Files ) allegedly to set-up some distance between she and Files, all of which charges she allegedly refused to prosecute. If Mrs. Lazenby were implicated in the death of Blake, would it be your position that neither the prosecutor nor Circuit Judges could act in this case because they knew Blake. You really must have some personal grudge against the legal system to think as you do. You really need to get more background in this sad tale of misery. Blake deserves better.

legalschnauzer said...

Anon at 4:31:

That's an interesting rumor, but I guess we will have to see if that is proven. As for the judges and prosecutors, I'm pretty sure their recusal would not be required because Blake Lazenby would not be a party to a murder trial. Unfortunately, he was the victim, but that does not make him a party.

In the divorce case, Blake Lazenby was a party, and that's why Fannin's recusal was required by law. It's not a matter of "my position." That's the law, and Fannin had to know that he was required to step down. That he didn't certainly calls his integrity into question.

Anonymous said...

Okay, 4:31 trying to make your scenario work. G. Lazenby and Files come up with a plan to murder Blake Lazenby. Since G.L. has motive she figures she better have an airtight alibi. To remove Files as a suspect they stage a scene that makes it appear they are enemies. Files then feels free to hire someone to murder B.L. From G. Lazenby's perspective her airtight alibi and staged battle with Files puts her in the clear no matter how it goes down. At the very worst she's think the yardman and killer's word against the white woman with an airtight alibi. BTW, how obvious was her alibi?

Anonymous said...

Re: the divorce, it is no fault of the judicial system or ANY Judge that the Lazenby divorce drug out. Multiple judges have had multiple hearings and Mrs. Lazenby has agreed to multiple settlements only to later backtrack and decide she did not want what she asked for and recieved. Go look at the public record. The judges in Talladea county have bent over backwards to accomodate her, it's in black and white in the file.

legalschnauzer said...

You might be right about what you say regarding settlements etc., but it's not in black and white in the file because I've read the file. As is the case with most civil matters, issues raised in settlement discussions aren't disclosed to any great extent in the file, so it's hard to know about that.

Anonymous said...

The entire concept of "murder for hire" is to have an airtight alibi. While you are at the offices of your 6th lawyer, or at a friends house ( if you have a friend ), your spouse is killed. You feign surprise, seem sad, etc., etc. Folks that hire a hit man always have an alibi--that is part of the package you buy in a "murder for hire". And Schnauzer, you need to investigate the actual manner of death--the specifics of the actual injuries to the deceased, as there may be some strong psychological insights to be drawn from what indignities were actually done to the deceased.

legalschnauzer said...

Do you know what was done to the deceased? The reports, as you probably know, is that he was shot four times. Something else was involved?

Anonymous said...

Someone that drives a motorcycle is living at Blake's house. Don't know how he/she gets in and out, not only is there a security gate but also a big locked chain.

Anonymous said...

The person on the motorcycle is one of her older brothers. He has moved in with her. He has some problems of his own.

Word on the street is that she is about to be arrested for the murder of Blake Lazenby. Justice is about to be served, in Spades!

Anonymous said...

To: Anon 3/1/2012 at 9:29pm

I wondered where she was living. Her and Blake's house on Lake Martin was listed in the foreclosures in the Coosa News.

Man, if all the rumors come true (and most already have) this would make a good movie.

Anonymous said...

Where was Geanne at the first court appearance of the men that have been accused of killing her husband over a Tahoe that they took to Tarrant and set on fire?

I was there and SHE WAS NOT!!

Strange.

Anonymous said...

They were in the process of a divorce for several years- why would she show up? Let's be for real! If she didn't knock him off herself- she is the luckiest woman since Jackie Onasis!

Anonymous said...

Well, she showed up at Blake's funeral. Her and her whole family. Why show up there???

PLUS, she and her family sat with the Lazenby family during the funeral service. Such disrespect.

Anonymous said...

Are you Blake's boyfriend? Why does it matter? If she had come to the hearing,you would have been mad about that as well. Calm down and let the injustice system have a chance to spin its magic!

Anonymous said...

3/7 6:03, Hey Geanne here you go again spewing MORE lies about Blake just as you did when you filed for divorce. No one believed you then and no one believes you now. That's why I think you moved from Sylacauga, you realized no one believed a word you were saying, everyone was behind Blake and you did not get the sympathy that you wanted.

Isn't it sad that you grew up in Sylacauga, your family is from Sylacauga but yet you can't find ONE person (other than family) that believes you didn't have something to do with Blake's murder. Man oh man that says a lot about your reputation in YOUR OWN hometown.

Your quote: "Calm down and let the injustice system have a chance to spin its magic!" Hahahahahaha Don't think the evidence they will have on you AND CAN PROVE will be considered magic. You need to learn how to spin that poofed up hair and make those big old bows in the big house. Cause that's where you are headed.

What a bitch. Still slandering Blake's name.

Now Schnauzer, this is the crap Blake had to endure for YEARS!

Anonymous said...

Why are lies still being spun about Blake? Blake was a good man who loved his daughter with all his heart. I knew Blake for many years and never, never had any indication that Blake lived any sort of alternative lifestyle. However, marriage to the pompous, self-absorbed shrew of a woman that he was married to might send me, although I am certainly not gay, to seek some alternative to her. Rest in peace Blake, because I hear that Mr. Lynch is most anxious to talk. Tick-tock, tick-tock Mrs. Lazenby!

Anonymous said...

What's the latest update? Any more arrests looming on the horizon?

Anonymous said...

My GOD you people are mean, you don't even have all the facts, but you have condemned this woman. Rumors are just that "rumors". Don't you have anything better to do than gossip about people. You don't know what goes on behind closed doors. I'll bet if you had a magnifying glass on yourself, it wouldn't look so pretty either. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". No wonder us Yankees kicked your behinds. I hear an awful lot of petty jelousy going on. I am proud to say that I have been a friend of Geanne's for many many years, and I can tell you from first hand knowledge that she is a kind and wonderful woman. I would be shocked if she had anything to do with his murder. I pray for Geanne and her daughter to find peace, and I pray for your lost souls as well!

Anonymous said...

to the post above.... I would say you need to spend more time praying for Geanne and not so much for the rest of us. Also, you need to prepare to be "shocked".

Anonymous said...

"You kicked our butts"? But you all want to move here and tell us how things should be done. Go home!! One more quote for you, "She who has no blood on her hands"......."Cast the first STONE". The only reason she has not been arrested is that the ADOC is sewing a size 1 orange jump suit and that takes a while......just say'n.

Anonymous said...

Once again, petty jealousy at play. Why must you refer to her beauty and her size...that has nothing to do with the matter at hand. All I hear is hateful jealousy, you are green with envy!
What size are you?

Anonymous said...

My size does not matter.....My suit is made by a clothier and not the ADOC. Just say'n

Anonymous said...

My point exactly...No ones size or beauty should matter...so stop raising it!!

Anonymous said...

All of you Geanne supporters need to go to www.dailyhome.com, Major breaking testimony by Calvin McCall Haynes!!!!!! "Turn Out the lights the party's OVER". $40K to kill her husband = ADOC

Anonymous said...

http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_story/18023479/article-Lazenby-suspect-case-goes-to-grand-jury?instance=home_lead_story

tick-tock the witchen bitchen is about to be SUNK!!!!

"Just Rumors" hahahahahaha

Anonymous said...

Hey Geanne's ONLY friend... you shocked now????

You need to read up:
Tutwiler Prison for Women

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Visiting processing stops at 12:00 p.m.

No one is allowed on facility grounds until 6:30 a.m. You are not allowed to stay in your car and you are not allowed to be across the street from the facility.

You must be on the inmates approved visiting list to be allowed to visit.
Four (4) adults and four (4) children are allowed to visit at one time.
All minors must be considered immediate family to the inmate ie; biological children, grandchildren or step children and you MUST provide a certified birth certificate for ALL minors! If a minor is 16 years of age or older, a picture ID is required.
NON approved visitor apparel:

No Shorts
No Sweat Pants
No Strapless Tops
No Spaghetti Strape Tops
No Tank Tops
No Solid White or Light Colors
No Short Skirts
No Dresses wtih high splits
If you are wearing a slip, it must be worn under a dress or skirt
You must wear underwear - AND THEY HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO CHECK
No Caps or hats
No Sunglasses - All eyeware must be prescription


You must have a photo ID - driver’s license, passport, etc.
The rules for wearing jewelery vary at each facility - some are more laxed while other only wedding rings are allowed.

$20-30 IN CHANGE ONLY can be taken in for vending machines. Your loved one can find out for sure what is allowed, but just to be safe take $20.

The ONLY items you are allowed to bring in with you will be your ID, your change for the vending machines and your car keys.

Smoking is permitted outside for most Alabama facilities and you may purchase tabacco products at the facility vending machine.

Looks like you might be allowed to take her a few big bows for her hair.

Now, I don't know if this applies to women on DEATH ROW. Maybe Geanne will clue you in.

Anonymous said...

I've seen the guy on the motorcycle (yellow & black helmet) and Geanne meet in Sylacauga.

Anonymous said...

I am not shocked that Mr. Lazenby's widow would appear to be involved in his murder. I am really just surprised that she had anything to trade to a man to induce his involvement in this murder. She must have really scrimped and saved to come up with 40k of Mr. Lazenby's money to pay for this heinous act. Surprised-no way-isn't her maiden name "Elder"! As they say on Looney Toons-debdebdebdebdebdeb-"Thats all folks".

Anonymous said...

What does the reference to "big bows" mean? I'm not being a smarta$$ just curious. :)

Anonymous said...

Geanne has ALWAYS poofed up her hair (trying to make her thin hair look like big Texas hair) and put a BIG BOW in it. Just always been a joke around Sylacauga "Geanne's big hair and her bows".

Anonymous said...

She is an amazingly beautiful woman, and she has very thick hair. You sound like a scorned lover and maybe the police should be looking at you. I spoke with Blake shortly before his murder and he expressed much sadness and remorse for the loss of the marriage and his part in it...

Anonymous said...

To Annon: 9:35
How is it you know so much about the prison system?????

Anonymous said...

CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE!!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Files has two children that were frequently with him- maybe those are the two children in question? Is Geanne still substitute teaching at Benjamin Russell High School? I guess O.J. Simpson will be the new athletic director soon.

Anonymous said...

Innocent until proven guilty asshole!! At least in this county!

legalschnauzer said...

I mistakenly delted an anonymous comment. Here it is:


I am playing catch up here so please forgive. Can someone give me a brief run down on the Elder family- I am not familiar with the details. The daughter is in fact still attending school in Alex City. I have no idea where they are living but my understanding is that the lake home is in foreclosure. I am surprised that Rev. Al Sharpton hasn't shown up to organize the "million-bow" march yet. Geanne has been implicated on enough levels to warrant a Grand Jury indictment at the very least. In one of the co-conspirator cases, I noticed the name of a JUDGE RUMSEY- am I mistaken that Geanne has a sister with the last name of RUMSEY- any relation??? Another post here mentioned another highly contested divorce action in Sylacauga that involved a long lost love of the Widow Lazenby- Details please? I can't imagine what color the sun is in that woman's world- did she honestlt think she could get away with this? Has anyone stepped in on behalf of the daughter? She is most likely a fountain of facts in this case- Could she not be percieved as a threat in her mother's eyes or more likely in the eyes of Mr. Files??

Anonymous said...

Oh my Lord!!! Amazingly Beautiful?? She resembles an anorexic Tammy Faye Baker. And her hair bows are thicker than her hair!!! Her whole life here in Sylacauga has been to look down her nose at people who she deemed less than herself. It's always been about what you have and who you know to Geanne and her mother Polly. They tooted their family's heritage as to have landed here on Plymouth Rock. Many times I have heard Polly express her outrage at interacial dating in the south. That the Lord meant for people to be with their own kind. Her mother isn't here to advise her anymore though so she faces the shaming her family all alone. I do wonder what the late Polly Elder would have thought of her daughter risking the lap of luxury (which is exactly what she had as Blake's wife) for a "yardboy" who was missing teeth? and forget sleeping with the help...what would she think of her stuck up daughter under suspision of conspiracy to having her link to society (Blake)horrendously murdered?

Anonymous said...

Having recently went throuth a divorce in Talladega County I do know the court date wait time is extremely long. I waited almost 4 years for a judge to hear my case. So here in Talladega County 3 years isnt shocking. Likely that they had been in this fight for a very long time and during that time money was very tight for the lovely Ms Elder. It was quite frankly taking to long to settle the legal way. Which meant resorting to illegal alternatives.

Anonymous said...

When you hire and fire 5-6 lawyers as Geanne did (because they were all in "cahoots" with Blake... which is a joke) it could possibly take 3-4 years or longer.

Don't think Geanne was having money problems during this time. She was driving a Jaguar and a large SUV and living on Lake Martin. The house did not go into foreclosure until several months AFTER Blake died. So I would imagine that Blake was footing all the bills. Never known her to work until after he died.

She was substitute teaching in Alexander City schools until FOX 6 in Birmingham quoted testimony accusing her and her boyfriend Ernest Files of paying to have Blake murdered. The public was outraged that she was working in the school system and complained. According to the Outlook forum she is no longer employed by the Alexander City School Board.

Anonymous said...

What is the latest on this case?

legalschnauzer said...

I haven't heard anything in several months. Will do some checking.

Anonymous said...

The Talledega DA is using Teresa Taylor as a scapegoat so they don't have to arrest the wife! This is getting ridiculous Taylor has no motive no money and all the men said it was the wife? Does anyone else not see how wrong this is??

Anonymous said...

Mr Schnauzer? Are you finished reporting about this? Now there is true injustice going on you should be hot the trail!! Dig into this-why is Teresa Taylor in jail and not the wife? Mrs Taylor has no representation as of now and can't afford a lawyer. She is in lockdown due supposedly to her elevated blood pressure and her family can't have any contact at all-no phone calls or visits. Why is this woman in jail at all? Last time I checked trying to minister the word of God to someone doesn't make you guilty of conspiracy! What a mess the DA is making of this case!!