Here is the complete text of the "Chronology of Events" document. Not just a record of media reports, but a journal as well ("I have been hearing a lot of rumors again..."), this may be the most valuable and useful document we have to work from, as it seems to have been maintained in real time in the days, weeks, months and years that followed the murders.
Thanks to LR1 for discovering and sharing this with us, and thanks to the author.
Chronology of Events
Two Teenagers Found Dead in Ozark
Monday, August 2, 1999
Two Dothan teenage girls were found in the trunk of a car in Ozark on Sunday. Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, both Northview High School seniors, were last heard from when Ms. Hawlett called her home on Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. to tell her family that she was on her way home from a party in Headland. They reported that they got lost and were in Ozark at the time.
The car that the girls were found on Sunday afternoon in a late model Mazda 929 which belonged to Ms. Hawlett [Beasley]. Police report that both girls appeared to have died from gunshot wounds to the head. The girls were locked in the trunk of the car fully clothed with their personal belongings still in the car. The only thing that was apparently missing was the car keys. The car was left abandoned around the intersection of Herring Avenue and James Street, which is about a block east of the Dale Medical Center.
The Ozark Police Department is being assisted by the Dale County Sheriff's Office, Dothan Police, Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the state violent crimes office.
More Details Released in Shooting
Tuesday, August 3, 1999
The Montgomery Advertiser is reporting that Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley were shot at close range inside the trunk of Beasley's 1994 [1993] Mazda 929 and then driven to the location where the vehicle was found.
Police have said that a large amount of evidence was left in the car including at least one shell casing from the handgun that was used in the shooting. The two teenagers were reported to have been attending a "field party" in Headland, AL earlier in evening of July 31. Their car was discovered at 2:00 p.m. [the car was discovered at 8 a.m., the trunk opened at 2 p.m.] on Sunday, August 1.
The murders were "execution style" according to Chief Tony Spivey of the Ozark Police Department. He describes them being shot once in the head at close range. As of now the police don't have any motive for this crime. The evidence is being processed in Montgomery and Dothan with some of the latest technologies such as fingerprints left on the victims by the assailant or assailants.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of $1000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in this crime.
Rumor Mill is Flying
Wednesday, August 4, 1999 - 4:00 a.m.
There are so many rumors going around about other victims being found, that the Ozark Police Department has come forward to address them. The Police Department released a statement saying that the only victims that have been found are the two Dothan teenage girls that were found Sunday at 2:00 p.m. They also announced that Governor Siegelman has issued a $10,000 reward for information leading in the arrest of the responsible person(s).
The whole community is in shock and disbelief following the incident. It has taken the feeling of safety away from some in the community, as everyone tries to figure out why this happened. Everyone in the community hopes for a quick resolution in finding who committed such a heinous act and are praying for the families of Miss Hawlett and Miss Beasley.
Changes in Details
Wednesday, August 4, 1999 - 8:30 p.m.
There were some minor changes noted in the facts of the case of the two teenaged Dothan girls, that were found slain in Ozark on August 1, 1999. The first change is in the ownership of the vehicle that the girls bodies were discovered in. Now it is being reported that the 1994 [1993] Mazda 929 actually belonged to J.B. Beasley and not Tracie Hawlett. The second change is that some of the news articles said that the girls were last seen at the Hobo Pantry (Chevron Station) at the intersection of 231 and East Andrews Avenue, when the video tape from the store actually showed a different person. So now it is back to them last being seen at the convenience store on East Broad Street by the railroad tracks near Carroll High School. They were last seen at this location by two eyewitnesses who gave the girls directions to U.S. 231 and who overheard the other girl on the phone say, "Hey Mom." It was about 11:30 when the two witnesses left the location when they felt the girls had made contact with their family and it was safe to leave them.
It was also announced this evening that a fund had been set up to raise money for additional reward money. Checks can be made payable to the Ozark Police Department Reward Fund and dropped off at the City Hall on North Union Avenue. The Ozark Police Department is urging caution from it's citizens as they go about their daily routine. They don't want the city to panic, but they want everyone to be aware of their surroundings while they are out and to practice normal safety precautions while at home, such as locking doors and knowing who is at the door before it is opened. The police would like to talk to anyone that attended a "field party" in Headland or Ariton on Saturday, July 31, or to anyone who had been in contact with the girls on that day.
More Information From Public Sought
Thursday, August 5, 1999 - 3:15 p.m.
Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey is asking the public to come forward with any information they have, no matter how minute it may seem to them. They are looking for information on any activity that anyone may have seen in the area of the Big Little store on East Broad Street and the location where the vehicle was found abandoned on Herring Street. There is a 14 hour gap between the time the girls were last seen and the time the vehicle was found.
The key ring and keys that are missing are described as being a long key ring that had white blocks with black lettering. The first block has a heart and the rest of the letters spell "Hard2Get." Police said that the girls' pants appear to have dirt on them and the forensics lab is trying to determine a location that matches the type of dirt found on their clothing.
The address of the Ozark Police Department Reward Fund is P.O. Box 1987. Ozark, AL 36361. The fund, which was started by local businesses and residents has already raised $1,100 which brings the total reward money to $21,000.
Girls Never Got to Party In Headland
Friday, August 6, 1999 - 7:30 p.m.
According to Henry County officials, J.B. Beasley and Tracy Hawlett never attended the party in Headland. They have conducted several interviews of people who attended the party, held on a dirt road off Hwy 95 in Haleburg, and the attendees said that they didn't see the girls at the party. The girls were invited to the party to celebrate Beasley's 17th birthday.
Headland Police report seeing the girls at a pay phone in Headland earlier in the evening on Saturday, July 31, 1999. The next time the two girls were reported to be seen was at 11:30 p.m. at the Big Little Store on East Broad Street in Ozark, and they weren't seen again.
Ozark Police want to interview anyone who traveled East Broad Street and Herring Avenue late Saturday night or Sunday. The police feel like someone may have seen something and may not be aware of its importance.
The police department is in the process of establishing a 24 hour manned hotline for people to call in with information. The number will be released when the system is up and running.
Nationwide Hotline Established
Saturday, August 7, 1999 - 7:30 p.m.
A 24-hour-a-day manned hotline for information on the deaths of the two Dothan teens is now up and running. The number is 1-888-538-3555. Police are continuing to investigate the murders night and day. Police Chief Tony Spivey says that there still isn't a motive in the case.
In other unrelated police department news, Friday night, August 6, appeared to be a very busy night in Ozark for the police department according to sources. A lot of vehicles were stopped with a couple of stops turning into foot pursuits. One Sheriff Deputy was injured during one of the foot pursuits when he injured his shoulder.
Reward Poster Published
Sunday, August 8, 1999 - 7:00 p.m.
A reward poster has been published and posted throughout the local area with pictures of the the two girls and the car that they were found in. The most important part of the poster is the information for the telephone numbers that can be called with ANY information that you might remotely think could be of use by investigators.
Police Think a Local Person is Responsible for Slaying
Monday, August 9, 1999 - 8:00 p.m.
Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey held a news conference today at 4:00 p.m. and disclosed that the person(s) responsible for the murders is more than likely a local person. He attributes this suspicion to forensic evidence, which he doesn't want to disclose at this time. The case hasn't been solved as quickly as he would like, but they have been investigating around the clock and will continue until closure. He expects the case to be solved using forensic evidence.
Chief Spivey said that in all of his years of police work, he said that he has never seen a city pull together like Ozark has. People are bringing food to investigators that are working overtime, and raising money for the reward fund which is up to $15,000. Tracy Hawlett and J.B. Beasley both attended Northview High School. Dothan High School, which Northview's cross town rival, is also taking up money for the reward fund with a car wash planned for this weekend with all proceeds to go to the fund.
The police department set up a road block and license check on East Broad St. on Saturday night between 11 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. to solicit information from anyone who may travel the area at the same time every day. Leads have been coming in, but none has led the police to any suspects. Investigators have ruled the murders as being gang related, since there is no evidence to support it.
Pieces Still Missing
Tuesday, August 10, 1999 - 3:10 p.m.
Ozark Police are still trying to find out where the two girls were before they were in Ozark. Police are urging parents to talk to their children, about anything they may know about the girls. At this time it is unknown if the girls attended a party and if they did, where the party was located.
The police have eliminated a lot of streets and avenues from a list of potential sites that the girls may have been taken to, before they were murdered. This helps in feeling like progress is being made, although the case isn't going to be resolved as quickly as the police would have hoped for.
Great Strides Made in Case
Wednesday, August 11, 1999 - 3:05 p.m.
Ozark Police announced that they have made a couple of great strides in the case of the two teenagers found murdered in Ozark, ten days ago. They wouldn't announce the new development, but they did say that there was a new lead that they are continuing to investigate. The forensic results were expected to be in the hands of local officials today. The police chief characterized the state of the investigation as making positive strides.
Police Focusing on Suspects
Thursday, August 12, 1999 - 2:55 p.m.
Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said that the police are now focusing on some possible suspects. Extra investigators have been called in to handle the latest leads. At a routine press conference at 2:00 p.m.today, Spivey said that there are a lot of rumors going around again. He said that he has probably heard all of the rumors and none of them are true. Several rumors that this reporter heard today, have to do with three brothers having been arrested in the case. This appears to be untrue. Spivey has said that a tip received 48 hours ago put them in a positive direction in the investigation.
No Arrests Have Been Made Yet
Friday, August 13, 1999 - 7:30 p.m.
No arrests have been made in the murder case. Police have dispelled several specific rumors that have been going around. The rumors that Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey says are untrue are:
- An arrest has been made in the case.
- Someone is in police custody.
- A second or third individual has been identified as suspects.
- The girls were wet from the waist down, when they were found in the trunk of the car.
- Additional bodies of other victims have been found in Ozark, Ariton, and on Hwy 123.
The reward money is up to $30,000 and officials have announced that as of today at 5:00 p.m., the fund raising effort is being stopped. Officials felt that there needed to be closure on the fund raising effort, in case someone may be waiting for the amount raised to increase even more before they would come forward with any more information.
The Search Continues
Monday, August 16, 1999 - 3:55 p.m.
The search continues for the person or persons responsible for the cold blooded, execution style, double homicide that occurred on August 1, 1999. According to The Dothan Eagle, police feel like they may be able to release more information around Wednesday (August 18) about the investigation. Investigators are apparently still tracking down the positive information that they obtained about a week ago.
As the investigation continues, the community is being urged not to spread rumors about the case. Precious time is having to be devoted to addressing the rumors, which could be better spent with the duties at hand. Most of the rumors that are going around usually start out as, "I know somebody, who knows somebody, that said..." This should be an indication to all of us, that this is a rumor that we shouldn't be passing on to others.
Investigation Expands Outside Wiregrass
Tuesday, August 17, 1999 - 5:15 p.m.
Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said that the positive lead that they have been following has led them to a location outside the Wiregrass. He wouldn't elaborate on what the lead was, or the location where the investigation is taking place at the present time. FBI agents from Virginia, who are experts in profiling criminals, are currently in the city. There job will be to study the evidence, and to tell investigators what type of person that they should be looking for. The agents are expected to be in Ozark for a couple of days.
Investigation Expands Out of State
Thursday, August 19, 1999 - 7:45 a.m.
Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said that the positive lead that they have been following, has led them outside of Alabama, Georgia and Florida. He still wouldn't elaborate on what the lead was, or the location where the investigation is taking them. It is hoped that there will be an announcement some time today on the lead.
Chief Spivey declined to comment on possible suspects, only saying that investigators haven't narrowed it down to one or two suspects. No motive has been determined and they are still trying to profile the perpetrator(s).
Suspect Questioned
Friday, August 20, 1999 - 6:25 a.m.
Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said that a possible suspect has been interviewed. The suspect lives out of state and investigators have already returned to Ozark following interviews with the suspect. The chief said that he feels investigators are on the right track and he still couldn't release any more information, for fear that the investigation could be jeopardized. It was also reported that hypnosis has been used on some people who have bee interviewed, in an effort to gain additional details. No motive has been determined, and interviews with potential witnesses will continue.
Police are expecting the FBI to complete their profiling work today, and will hopefully be able to help investigators determine if the suspect matches the profile of someone that could have committed the acts. So far, the only crime scene that investigators have to work with, is the vehicle that the two Dothan teens were found in.
No New Developments in Murder Investigation
Monday, August 23, 1999 - 7:55 p.m.
Police Chief Tony Spivey now says just because they are looking at a possible out of state suspect, it doesn't rule out anyone locally. The investigation is entering its fourth week and the news conferences are getting fewer and farther between. Spivey isn't hinting at the possibility of any arrests in the near future and the investigation appears to be continuing, but no new information is coming forth. There was a similar period of time about two weeks ago, when investigators appeared to be coming to dead ends. Then, they received "positive" information that seemed to spur the department into heightened activity and press releases. Investigations commonly appear to be slowing even though there is a lot of work continuing behind the scenes. Hopefully, this is this case with this investigation.
Key Piece of Evidence Released
Tuesday, August 31, 1999 - 6:00 p.m.
Ozark police released a key piece of evidence in the month old investigation of the murder of J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett. The piece of evidence is a partial picture of a white, gray, tan or beige pickup truck that was parked in front of the Big/Little store where the girls stopped to use the pay phone. The truck was parked at the store between 11:30 p.m. and 12:00 midnight on the night of July 31, 1999. Police feel that the owner or driver of the truck may be a witness that hasn't come forward and they are asking the public for help in identifying the owner of the truck.
The picture is only a partial picture of the vehicle, so the make and model of the vehicle aren't clear. Police have been parking a variety of pickup trucks at the store and taking pictures of them to see if it would clear up the identity of the make and model. So far they haven't found a match. Yesterday afternoon at around 5:00 p.m., the parking lot of the store was filled with investigators and police vehicles working at the scene.
Ozark Man Arrested in Murder Case
Thursday, September 2, 1999 - 3:00 p.m.
Ozark police have arrested John William Barrentine, 28, of Young Avenue, Ozark and charged him with capital murder in the deaths of J.B. Beasley and Tracey Hawlett of Dothan. Barrentine's arrest happened at 9:00 p.m. last night (Sept. 1) after he was interviewed by an Ozark investigator and an investigator with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. He remains in the Dale County Jail without bond.
Police chief Tony Spivey said that no further arrests are expected at this time and the motive is still unknown. He also said that it doesn't appear that Barrentine knew the girls and that the murderess occurred by a "chance encounter" with Barrentine. The case remains under investigation and no other details were released.
The AP is reporting that Barrentine's mother, said that her son was pressured to confess by investigators. Barrentine is also described by family members as being quiet man with a wife and a 2 year old son.
Family of Charged Man Say He is Innocent
Friday, September 3, 1999 - 3:50 p.m.
Family members say that the police have the wrong person as a suspect in the execution style murder of two Dothan teens. They have said that they feel like Barrentine is being set up to take the fall for someone else. Barrentine was working at Fleming Foods in Geneva and worked overtime a lot of days. One family member said that Barrentine went out to get milk around midnight on July 31 but was only gone about 15 minutes. The family member doesn't feel like he could have murdered someone in that length of time and describes him as being soft hearted. Neighbors of Barrentine have said that Barrentine never bothered anyone and was a friendly person.
Police Chief Tony Spivey feels like they have the person in custody and says that they are trying to determine if Barrentine owned a gun similar to the one used in the shooting. Spivey says that the investigation is continuing and refused to comment on whether any more arrests were expected. Spivey also said that they are getting a better handle on a possible motive, but wouldn't give any details of a motive at this time.
Ozark Man Charged With Capital Murder
September 2, 1999
A 28-year-old Ozark man was arrested on September 1, 1999, at 9:00 p.m., following his interview with Ozark and Alabama Bureau of Investigation agents. John William Barrentine, who lives at 110 Young Avenue, is being held without bond in the Dale County Jail and was charged with capital murder in the case of the execution style slaying of J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett. Barrentine became a suspect after he was interviewed, according to Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey.
Family members have been professing his innocence and a number of people who have been around Barrentine don't feel like he is capable of the murders. In October 1996, Barrentine was arrested for striking one of his sisters in the face, for which he pleaded guilty. He was fined and had to pay court costs. Then, in June 1998, he was arrested for assault against his wife, when he allegedly struck her in the face. He pleaded not guilty and the case was dismissed, when his wife refused to testify against him. Barrentine's family described him as a gentle person who couldn't stand to see a woman cry, so this revelation is kind of shocking to hear. One of the family members who described him in this way, filed a domestic complaint against him three years ago.
During the tape recorded interview by police, Barrentine first stated that he went to a grocery store on U.S. Hwy 231 to get milk, when he saw the black truck. Investigators told him the store he went to was closed at the time. Barrentine then changed his story and told the investigators interviewing him, that he went to a convenience store. Next he said that he didn't leave his house at all that night. Finally he told the investigators that he went with an acquaintance, who was described as a tattooed man, to the Big/Little store on East Broad St. to get cigarettes and the friend that he was with got in the car with the two Dothan teens while he followed them to Herring Avenue. He then told police that the friend shot the girls while they were in the trunk of the car, after they refused his friend's sexual advances. Police reportedly interviewed the acquaintance and said that he had an alibi for the night of the murders.
Divers searched Lisenby Lake (Dale County Lake) for a 9mm gun and the keys, but they didn't find them. Police Chief Tony Spivey said that he is confident in the arrest and feels like they are nearing the discovery of a possible motive. A possible grease stain that was found in the back seat of the Mazda 929 on the drivers side, is trying to be matched to gloves that were found in the glove box of Barrentine's car. The gloves are in the forensics lab at present with the results still pending.
At Barrentine's first appearance before Judge William "Buddy" Matthews, two attorneys were appointed by the court. The appointed attorneys, Bill Kominos and Joe Gallo.The attorneys for Barrentine said that there are too many unanswered questions and no evidence to hold their client. The attorneys challenged investigators on some of their theories such as the exact location of the shootings, where the murder weapon is, if any fingerprints were found, or if it was determined if their client even owned a gun.
Barrentine lives within 1/2 mile of the location where the car belonging to J.B. Beasley was found. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett, both 17 of Dothan, were found in the trunk of the car and had been shot execution style.
Barrentine was working at Flemming Foods in Geneva, but wasn't an employee of the company. He worked for truck drivers who were delivering goods to the plant, and helped them unload their trucks. He was also employed, part-time, at Daniel's Auto Repair on South Union Ave in Ozark. Barrentine is married and has one child.
Preliminary Hearing Set For Barrentine
Tuesday, September 7, 1999 - 6:45 p.m.
A preliminary hearing has been set for September 20, 1999, in the Dale County courthouse for John William Barrentine, who was charged with capital murder for killing J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett. Barrentine's attorneys made a request of the court to hold the hearing as soon as possible, so they could see what kind of evidence investigators have on their client.
Also today, Mayor Bob Bunting explained why the reward fund was not allowed to continue to grow and was discontinued. Bunting had been the target of some people who had written letters to the editor about him cutting the fund raising effort off. Bunting said that he talked with investigators in the case and they thought the fund needed to be stopped. He explained that the fund had met it's goal and he felt like the time was right for the fund to be closed. He also said that the fund wouldn't be paying anyone if Barrentine is convicted, since no one was responsible for turning Barrentine into investigators. All of the money that has been collected will be returned to the donors if requested, and any money left will be used for future use in other cases.
Bond Hearing Set For Barrentine
Wednesday, September 8, 1999 - 3:45 p.m.
John Barrentine, the man accused of killing two Dothan teens in Ozark, will have a bond hearing on the same day as his preliminary hearing. Judge William "Buddy" Matthews will be presiding over both hearings, which are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on September 20, 1999. Barrentine's attorneys, Bill Kominos and Joe Gallo, had previously filed a motion for a bond hearing, so both hearings will be held on the same day.
It is expected that the Barrentine and his attorneys will get to hear the evidence against him at the hearing. Barrentine is still being held in the Dale County Jail without bond. Police are remaining quiet about any evidence or possible motive in the case.
Barrentine Possibly Not as Gentle as Reported
Thursday, September 9, 1999 - 3:45 p.m.
John Barrentine, the man accused of killing two Dothan teens in Ozark, has been previously arrested for assault on two separate occasions. In October 1996, Barrentine was arrested for striking one of his sisters in the face, for which he pleaded guilty. He was fined and had to pay court costs. Then, in June 1998, he was arrested for assault against his wife, when he allegedly struck her in the face. He pleaded not guilty and the case was dismissed, when his wife refused to testify against him.
Last week, Barrentine's family described him as a gentle person who couldn't stand to see a woman cry, so this revelation is kind of shocking to hear. One of the family members who described him in this way, filed a domestic complaint against him three years ago.
Barrentine was also arrested in Dothan on March 3, 1993 on another domestic charge of criminal trespassing, for which he received a suspended sentence and fine.
The Rumor Mill Starts Again
Thursday, September 16, 1999 - 3:55 p.m.
I have been hearing a lot of rumors again. This time the rumors are about someone else being involved in the murders of the two Dothan teens, besides John Barrentine. The rumors don't appear to be accurate, unless the police are being super-secret about it. It seems highly unlikely that it could be true since the police department hasn't made an arrest by now. I won't even go into the details of the rumor, since none of it has been substantiated. I just thought I should mention the rumors, to perhaps keep others from spreading them. So if you happen to hear the rumor, remember that none of it has been confirmed and it seems like there has been plenty of time for an arrest or announcement to have been made, if it were true.
Preliminary Hearing Leads to Grand Jury
Monday, September 20, 1999 - 5:35 p.m.
There wasn't much evidence released by the state today in the preliminary hearing of John William Barrentine, 28, of Ozark. The only real piece of evidence that was released, was that there was a grease stain in the back seat on the drivers side of the Mazda 929 belonging to J.B. Beasley, one of the victims in the case. Police are in the process of trying to link the grease stain to Barrentine. Beside the grease stain, the only other evidence released were details of the tape recorded interview that two investigators had with Barrentine.
Police testified that Barrentine had gone to the police to report seeing a black truck near the crime scene on the night of the murders and upon further questioning he changed his story five or six times. Police said that Barrentine first stated that he went to a grocery store on U.S. Hwy 231 to get milk, when he saw the black truck. Investigators told him the store he went to was closed at the time. Barrentine then changed his story and told the investigators interviewing him, that he went to a convenience store. Next he said that he didn't leave his house at all that night. Finally he told the investigators that he went with an acquaintance, who was described as a tattooed man, to the Big/Little store on East Broad St. to get cigarettes and the friend that he was with got in the car with the two Dothan teens while he followed them to Herring Avenue. He then told police that the friend shot the girls while they were in the trunk of the car, after they refused his friend's sexual advances. Police reportedly interviewed the acquaintance and said that he had an alibi for the night of the murders.
When police were asked if they were going to pursue the man who pulled the trigger, they stated that he was in custody and pointed to Barrentine. Another police officer testified that Barrentine had made a "jail house confession" while in custody at the Dale County jail.
The case has been bound over to a grand jury, for them to determine if there is enough evidence to pursue the case against Barrentine. The next scheduled grand jury is set for September 23. 1999, but it is unclear if this case will be included in their deliberations.
More Details of Preliminary Hearing
Tuesday, September 21, 1999 - 6:35 p.m.
Here are some different versions and additional details of the preliminary hearing that was held yesterday, Sept. 20, 1999.
A clerk at Video Warehouse in Ozark reported to investigators that John Barrentine had inquired if he could rent a video tape taken by security cameras at the Big/Little Store because he observed a fight at the store and wanted to see about what time it was. After the tip from the clerk, investigators went to the residence of Barrentine and talked to his wife, who informed them that her husband had gone to the store to get milk the night of the murders. She reported that he left at around 11:00 p.m. and returned about 15 minutes later, although it could have been longer since she didn't have a watch. Her husband told her that a black truck ran him off the road on his way home. The investigators then went to question Barrentine about the black truck at his part time job.
Barrentine described the person who actually did the killing as a person that lived near him and worked for his father. Police say that they questioned the person, but he had three witnesses that said he was in Clayhatchee on the night of the murders. Barrentine told investigators that his friend saw the girls and told him to pull into the parking lot of the Big/Little store so they could try to pick up the girls. This man was actually the second person that Barrentine had blamed for the murders. A day or two after the murders, Barrentine went to police with a name of someone else that possibly did the killings.
The possible grease stain that was found in the back seat of the Mazda 929, is trying to be matched to gloves that were found in the glove box of Barrentine's car. The gloves are in the forensics lab at present with the results still pending.
The attorneys for Barrentine said that there are too many unanswered questions and no evidence to hold their client. The attorneys challenged investigators on some of their theories such as the exact location of the shootings, where the murder weapon is, if any fingerprints were found, or if it was determined if their client even owned a gun. District attorney David Emery said that Barrentine had already answered all of the questions posed by his attorneys, during his interview with police. Mr. Emery said that the motive appears to be a case of Barrentine being scorned by young attractive girls when he wanted to have sex with them. Emery also hinted at trying to get the death penalty imposed if Barrentine is found guilty.
Barrentine Testifies at Bond Hearing
Wednesday, October 6, 1999 - 6:30 p.m.
John Barrentine, the man charged with two counts of capital murder, appeared in court yesterday and took the witness stand during a hearing that was requested by his attorneys to set bond in the case. During Barrentine's testimony, he said that he didn't kill J.B. Beasley and Tracey Hawlett and he didn't have anything to do with the girls. He said that he was only trying to get reward money when he went to police and reported seeing a black truck around the scene of the crime on the night of the murder. Barrentine said that he was tricked into making the statements that he made during the 4 hour interview, and that he made everything up as he went along.
Barrentine's attorneys say that police don't have any evidence against their client. Among some of the attorneys points are:
- No gun has been found and it hasn't been shown that Barrentine even owned a gun.
- No fingerprints of Barrentine's were at the scene.
- Herring Ave. hasn't been proved to have been the actual location where the girls were shot.
District attorney David Emery, said that Barrentine has been caught up in his own lies. He said that police actually were led to Barrentine through Barrentine's wife when she was interviewed. They were following up on her statements when they interviewed Barrentine.
No bond was set by Judge P.B. McLauchlin. The judge requested a copy of the preliminary hearing transcript and he will make a ruling at a later date.
Bond Denied for Barrentine
Tuesday, October 19, 1999 - 6:30 a.m.
Judge P.B. McLauchlin denied bond for John William Barrentine, while he awaits trial on two counts of capital murder. The ruling came after Judge McLauchlin reviewed the preliminary hearing transcripts. The bond denial was based on Barrentine's confession to being at the scene of the crime when the two Dothan teenagers were murdered on July 31/August 1.
No other mention has been made by any other news media, about the fingerprints found in the vehicle not matching Barrentines.
More Evidence Discovered by Crime Lab
Monday, October 25, 1999 - 8:00 a.m.
After initial reports from authorities that no evidence of sexual activity took place against the two Dothan teens found murdered in Ozark, the crime lab has found evidence of semen on the clothing of one of the vitims. The reports are coming from unnamed sources close to the investigation, with a couple of different versions being reported by local media.
One version reports that the semen was found on J.B. Beasley's dress while some of the other reports say that the semen was found on Beasley's bra and panties.
No comments have been issued by either Police Chief Tony Spivey or District Attorney David Emery on the latest reports.
It was also reported that John Barrentine had blood samples taken for DNA testing, to determine if there is a match with the DNA of the semen.
DNA Test Results Don't Match Barrentine
Friday, November 5, 1999 - 6:45 a.m.
Investigators were informed Thursday, Nov. 4, that the DNA of the semen found on one of the victims, doesn't match the DNA of the main suspect, John Barrentine. Barrentine remains in custody at the Dale County Jail and isn't expected to be released even though the DNA results don't implicate to him. Police Chief Tony Spivey said that the investigation is continuing and investigators are pursuing all leads in the case. It appears that investigators still believe that Barrentine was somehow involved in the murder of the two Dothan teens.
Lawyers for Barrentine indicated that they weren't surprised by the results and they plan on filing an appeal on Judge McLauchlin's order for no bond. A motion for dismissal can not be filed since Barrentine hasn't been indicted by a grand jury, according to Barrentine's attorney, Bill Kominos. It is expected to take about two weeks for the state to answer the appeal, once it has been received and then the appellate court will consider the appeal and render a decision.
Search for Second Suspect Continues
Tuesday, November 9, 1999 - 8:30 a.m.
Police Chief Tony Spivey said that the search for a second suspect is underway and has been underway since John Barrentine said that he was with someone else on the night of the murder of the two Dothan teens. Investigators are interviewing people that they have already talked with. Spivey stressed that something has been done everyday since the murders occurred.
One thing that has been a mystery since it's announcement, is the semen that was found on J.B. Beasley's clothing having took such a long period of time to be found. Spivey said he doesn't know what the delay was caused from, but they are trying to find out why a key piece of evidence such as this, took so long to get back to them. He added that he feels that this case should have a high priority with the forensics lab and that he has requested such a priority with the lab. Meanwhile, Ozark Police are still awaiting results from the forensics lab on other evidence that was collected from the crime scene.
Investigators still believe that Barrentine played a role in the murders and that he was with someone else on the night of the murders. Chief Spivey explained that Barrentine is still being held in the Dale County Jail, because he has confessed to being at the scene of a capital murder during it's occurrence and that you can't just release someone under those circumstances. According to Chief Spivey, the District Attorney was present during the interview with Barrentine, and he was consulted before Barrentine was arrested.
At present, the DNA results are being compared to a database of convicted felons. Some people that are going to be re-interviewed, will no doubt be asked to submit blood, hair, and saliva samples for a possible match with the evidence.
The reward still stands and Spivey is asking again for anyone with any information to contact law enforcement.
$200,000 Bond Set for Barrentine
Friday, November 10, 1999 - 5:15 p.m.
John Barrentine appeared in Judge P.B. McLauchlin's courtroom today for a reconsideration of his denial of bond for Barrentine. Judge McLauchlin set a $200,000 bond for Barrentine, so he remains in the Dale County Jail until the bond money has been raised. A reasonable bond is suppose to be set by the judge according to Bill Kominos, Barrentine's attorney, and it remains to be seen if the family will be able to raise the bond money. Kominos still has the option to appeal the bond amount if the bond money isn't able to be raised.
Kominos also said that he found out that while the hearing was taking place this morning, federal investigators were searching John Barrentine's father's business in Daleville. He said that he didn't know what they were searching for.
Barrentine Unable to Raise Bond
Sunday, November 21, 1999
Johnny Barrentine remains in the Dale County Jail while his family and friends try to raise enough money to post the $200,000 bond, ordered in the case of two capital murder charges against Barrentine for the murder of two teenage girls from Dothan.
Investigators have been busy collecting DNA samples from several people that they originally interviewed, but no results are expected for a week or two. The DNA samples will be used to compare against the DNA of semen stains on one of the victims.
A search warrant was issued for Daniel's Auto Repair in Ozark, where Barrentine had worked part-time before the murders took place. It has been reported that the warrant was in relation to the missing keys of J.B. Beasley and a gun used in the commitment of the crime.
Barrentine Remains Behind Bars
Sunday, December 12, 1999
The family of Johnny Barrentine have been able to come with $80,000 toward his $200,000 property bond so they have a way to go before he is able to be freed on bond. With the Grand Jury coming up on Jan.6, 2000, it is looking like Barrentine will be in the Dale County Jail at least until that time.
Barrentine's attorney Bill Kominos is pretty confident that the Grand Jury won't indict his client since there is no physical evidence linking him to the murders of the two Dothan teens. If an indictment isn't returned against Barrentine by the Grand Jury, he will be a free man.
Police are still investigating the murders and are still looking for another possible witness who may have seen something at the Big/Little store on the night of the murders. The security tape taken on the night of murders shows a light colored truck leaving the store just before the Mazda, which the two girls were in, left the store.
Police are still considering Barrentine, at the very least, to be an accomplice in the murders, since he knew too many details about the events of the night of July 31.
Barrentine Released From Dale County Jail
Saturday, December 18, 1999
John William Barrentine, the 28 year old Ozark man charged with the murders of two Dothan teens, was released from the Dale County jail Friday at 10:30 a.m.. The $200,000 bond was posted A-Advantage Bonding Inc. of Dothan. It is being reported that Barrentine is staying with his parents in Daleville. Family members have been advised not to discuss the case with the press, while Barrentine is out on bond awaiting to see if he will be indicted by the Dale County Grand Jury which is set to convene in January 2000.
