McLemore’s capital murder charges upheld

A Franklin County man charged with the murder of his father and stepmother and the assault of his stepmother’s sister and a cousin in September was indicted by the March grand jury, officials said.
Michael McLemore, 26, of Ruby Road in Phil Campbell, was indicted on two counts of capital murder and two counts of attempted murder in the shooting deaths of Ricky Hodge, 56, and Connie Hodge, 59, and the attempted murders of Marcia Smith, 57, and Royce Riddle, 63, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.
According to reports, the crimes took place at 7:50 a.m. on September 10 at the Ruby Road trailer where McLemore was reported to live with the two couples.
Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said the incident was allegedly fueled by a disagreement over money between McLemore and his father.
According to reports, McLemore asked his father for money but when Ricky Hodge refused to give him any money, McLemore is accused of using a .22 caliber rifle to shoot his father near the kitchen hallway of the trailer. Reports indicate Connie Hodge was shot while she was still in bed.
Oliver said it appears McLemore used a claw hammer to then assault Smith and Riddle who were in a back bedroom and were awakened by the shots.
Oliver said McLemore admitted to his involvement in the crimes after going to a neighbor’s house about 500 feet away and calling 911.
McLemore was taken into custody when officers arrived at the scene and transported to the Franklin County Jail where he has remained since District Judge Paula denied his bond at a Sept. 12 hearing.
Smith and Riddle were transported to Russellville Hospital where they were treated for their injuries and later released.
For the capital murder charges, McLemore faces life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Rushing said McLemore’s case would be set for arraignment on June 28.