Update From Florence Police Regarding The Sunday Night Shooting In Florence

Eric Bailey

FLORENCE-The Florence Police Department released a statement concerning the shooting death of Judy Staten and the arrest of Eric Bailey a suspect in the shooting of Staten o Sunday, November 5:

“On November 5, 2017, at approximately 11:36pm, officers responded to a call for a welfare check regarding a subject located on N Franklin Street in East Florence. Upon their arrival, they located a black male, identified as Eric Bailey, who advised that an incident occurred on S Magnolia St. The officers attempted to gather more information from Mr. Bailey, but he became disorderly in his conduct which prevented further inquiry. Patrol officers entered the residence at 308 S Magnolia Street and found a white female, Judy Staten, deceased inside the residence. Officers established a crime scene and contacted Investigators.
At this time, we believe Ms. Staten was shot one time; however, she has been taken to the Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy, which will take place this week, to confirm. We also anticipate the confirmation of any other injuries or wounds. Detectives spoke with several witnesses and family members to establish a time line of events leading up to the incident. We know that Ms. Staten and Mr. Bailey were in some type of relationship. They were seen at various locations together and referred to each other as “boyfriend and girlfriend”. Crime Scene Investigators searched the residence collecting evidence that would help to determine what exactly occurred and who all might be involved. The Criminal Investigation Division spent several hours logging evidence and processing the crime scene.
Late into the night of November 6, 2017, Investigators established a breakthrough in the case that resulted in charging Eric Dewayne Bailey, 49, of Florence, Alabama, with the murder of Judy Turbyfill Staten, 38, of Florence, Alabama. Bailey is currently being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $50,000.00 bond.
Information we received from citizens is what assisted with solving this crime. In light of this, we are still requesting that anyone with any information please come forward. You may contact Florence Police at 256-760-6610/256-768-2764 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword FPDTIP plus your message.”