Elba, Ala. (WDNews) — A Coffee County jury has found a man guilty in connection to a deadly 2024 shooting in Elba following a brief deliberation.
Court records show jury selection began April 15 in the case of State of Alabama v. Freddie McGee Jr. The trial started April 20 in the Elba Division of Coffee County, with Circuit Judge Shannon Clark presiding.
After testimony and evidence were presented, jurors deliberated for about one hour before convicting McGee on charges of murder and attempt to commit a controlled substance crime.
According to court testimony, the case centers around the February 14, 2024 death of Ethan Hill. Investigators said Hill was at a residence on Jones Street with friends and had earlier been involved in a drug transaction with McGee and others.
That night, McGee and co-defendants arrived at the home. Authorities said McGee exited a vehicle with a pistol, leading to a struggle with Hill. During the altercation, Hill was shot. After the fight, investigators said Hill was on the ground across the street when McGee approached and shot him twice at close range.
The cause of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders from Elba Police, Elba Fire, Enterprise Rescue and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene. Investigators later identified McGee and others as suspects. Authorities said the group was eventually captured by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Fugitive Recovery Task Force after traveling through Ozark and Enterprise.
District Attorney Russ Tarbox said, “I am grateful for the jury’s verdict in this case. With this verdict, the family of Ethan Hill will receive justice and a dangerous, multi-time felon will be sent to prison. This result comes from days of hard work by the dedicated detectives of the Elba Police Department. The result also comes from the diligent case review and preparation done by Deputy District Attorney Toothaker.”
Officials also credited multiple agencies for their role in the investigation, along with support organizations that assisted the victim’s family during the case.
Authorities said McGee’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty through agreements with prosecutors.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
