Russell County man faces death penalty for murder outside Phenix City bar in May

Chuck Williams and Nick Bentley

10 minutes ago

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) — A man accused of shooting at a local restaurant with an assault weapon in May appeared in court Thursday morning.

Jeffery Aaron “Fruitloop” Spurlock, 42, appeared with his attorney, Jeremy Armstrong, for his preliminary hearing before District Judge Jamie Graham. Spurlock and his attorney waived the hearing when District Attorney Rick Chancey announced the case would be presented to a Russell County grand jury as early as June 27.

Spurlock is accused of firing an assault weapon at Aces Bar and Grill on U.S. Highway 80 West at 1:30 a.m. on May 25. Jacob Sanes, 34, of Smith Station, Alabama, was struck and killed by one of the 14 shots as he left the bar that morning.

Chancey says Sanes was not the target of the shooting.

Spurlock is charged with felony shooting from a vehicle, shooting into an inhabited structure and certain persons being prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Chancey told the court that the state would seek the death penalty, but that due to the growing backlog, it would take some time for this case to go to trial.

According to Chancey, there have been several murders in the last month.

“I know that’s not a lot in some cities. But in our small town, that’s a lot,” Chancey said. “I probably have over 60 murder cases pending and probably 15 felony cases.”

Chancey said he does not believe the case will go to trial “this year or next year” if proceedings proceed at their current pace. He added it could be a month before the grand jury makes a decision on whether or not to indict Spurlock.

When Spurlock waived a preliminary hearing, his attorney said he fully expects his client to be charged. Both sides say there is ample video evidence in the case.