FORT PAYNE– James Michael Howard will serve 20 years in prison for the shooting death of Kristie Gladden Hancock in Collinsville. Circuit Judge Andrew Hairston imposed the maximum sentence Tuesday, Nov. 10, in DeKalb County, according to District Attorney Summer Summerford.
Howard pleaded guilty to manslaughter Sept. 21. However, his open plea included no agreement with prosecutors about his punishment.
Investigation Followed June 2024 Shooting
According to the district attorney’s office, officers responded to a County Road 221 residence June 25, 2024. They found Hancock dead from a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators determined Howard was at the residence when the shooting occurred. He subsequently admitted shooting Hancock but claimed the firearm accidentally discharged while he tried to remove it from his pocket.
The bullet struck Hancock in the hand and head, according to the release. After the shooting, Howard fled the residence before law enforcement apprehended him.
Judge Imposes Maximum Sentence
At the sentencing hearing, Paul Bell of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and a representative of Hancock’s family testified. Afterward, prosecutors asked Hairston to impose the maximum prison term.
The district attorney’s office said manslaughter is a Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years. Because the offense involved a firearm, Howard faced a minimum sentence of 10 years.
However, Howard had no prior felony convictions that would trigger enhanced punishment under Alabama’s Habitual Felony Offender Act.
Following testimony and arguments, Hairston imposed the 20-year sentence.
Summerford also acknowledged the lasting impact on Hancock’s family.
“A mother lost a daughter, a husband lost a wife, and children lost a mother,” Summerford said. “Please continue to keep the family of Ms. Hancock in your prayers.”
She also described drugs as being “at the heart of this crime” and urged families to discuss their dangers with children.
Summerford and Deputy District Attorney Matthew Green prosecuted the case.
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