DADEVILLE, Ala. (WRBL) – A Dadeville jury sentences Derek Hightower of Columbus, Georgia, to death for the brutal murders of Willie and Barbara Tidwell on April 17, 2020. This sentence marks the first death penalty imposed in Tallapoosa County since 1998. The jury returned their sentencing decision on Jan. 2.
In accordance with Alabama law updated in 2018, the death penalty can only be imposed if at least 10 of 12 jurors vote in favor. The jury’s recommendation in this case is the first death penalty verdict in the 5th Judicial Circuit—which includes Tallapoosa, Chambers, Macon, and Randolph counties—under the revised guidelines that eliminated judicial override.
The murders occurred in the early morning hours at the Tidwells’ Dadeville home. Hightower was found guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, of four counts of capital murder following a trial beginning Dec. 2.
Assistant District Attorney Lakisha Abercrombie led the prosecution, supported by Chief Deputy Robbie Treese and District Attorney Mike Segrest. Presiding Circuit Court Judge Isaac Whorton oversaw all phases of the trial.