Higdon resident charged in local murder

By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

HIGDON, Ala.— Police have charged Cody Lee Wade, 40, of Higdon with murder in the fatal shooting of Barry White, 45 of Walker County Georgia. Higdon is also accused of shooting a Jackson County man during the same incident. White died at the scene, while the condition of the second shooting victim, William Gilbreath, is currently unknown.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said that around 11 p.m. Saturday night the DeKalb County E911 received a call about a shooting that took place near the Shiloh Community Church in Higdon located in DeKalb County off of County Road 155. Harris said Fort Payne Police, Ider Police, Sheriff’s Deputies from Jackson and DeKalb Counties and officers with the DeKalb County Drug Task Force responded to the call and found Wade in possession of a gun.

Wade’s mother reportedly told deputies that the incident that resulted in the fatal shooting began Saturday night after Wade and a female friend were involved in a domestic dispute. According to Harris, Wade’s mother told police that the female friend of Wade contacted victims White and Gilreath to ask for a ride.

She said that Wade attempted to enter the vehicle when White and Gilreath arrived to pick up Wade’s female friend. White allegedly tried to drive away. Unable to enter the men’s truck, Wade fired shots at the men as they drove away. White and Gilreath were both shot, causing the men to wreck the truck moments later in a ditch near Shiloh Community Church.

Wade was arrested at the scene in possession of a firearm. Police then transported him to DeKalb County Detention Center and he was charged with murder. Additional charges are expected in the shooting of the second man when more is known about his condition.

“Thanks to the Ider Police, Fort Payne Police, Jackson County Deputies DeKalb County Drug Task Force and our Deputies for their quick response in this case,” Harris said. “This is an unfortunate situation and our thoughts and prayers go out to these families.”