Lt. Mike Holt – Florence Police Department
FLORENCE – Lt. Mike Holt of the Florence Police Department has issued a statement in the ongoing investigation into the homicide and unseemly disposition of the body of Tuscumbia man, Brioni “Bree” Rutland. This case appears to some persons in law enforcement to go far beyond a “plain-Jane murder case.” The evidence for this growing presumption lies in the statement by Lt. Holt.
Here is what Holt has just released to the Media:
“Jeremy Williams was interviewed by Florence Police. In his statement, he alleged that he owed Brioni Rutland money on a gambling debt. He further said that Rutland came to his residence on Hawthorne Street in Florence to collect that debt. According to Williams’ statement, an altercation ensued that resulted in Rutland attempting to cut off one of Williams’ fingers. Williams said in his statement that he stabbed Rutland several times and shot him. Rutland died as a result of his wounds. Williams also said that he transported Rutland’s body to the railroad bridge in Sheffield, attached concrete blocks to him, and threw his body into the Tennessee River.
Based on information from Williams’ statement, witness interviews, along with physical evidence recovered from Williams’ residence, the railroad bridge, and several vehicles, Jeremy Williams has been charged with Rutland’s murder. This investigation is on-going and there is a lot of police work to do.
During the early stages of this investigation, Florence Police received information that Rutland was involved with gambling with many people in this area. We are currently sorting through that evidence to determine individuals that we can speak to for the purpose of gaining information about Mr. Rutland’s whereabouts in the days and hours leading up to his death. We are asking for anyone that has been involved in gambling with Mr. Rutland to contact the Florence Police Department. We believe they have information that will help us determine exactly what happened to Brioni Rutland.
We understand that many of the details of this case are sensational and interesting. That being said, the first priority of the Florence Police Department is to family of Brioni Rutland. Our number one goal is be able to tell that family exactly what happened to their loved one and ensure that everyone involved in his death is held accountable. So we are asking for the public’s help. If you have done any business with Brioni Rutland, call the Florence Police Department at 256-760-6573.
Lt. Mike Holt
Florence Police”
