Originally, Hurston and Lisa Beal, 30, of Piedmont, faced capital murder charges in both cases which carries a maximum sentence of the death penalty. Circuit Judge Randall Cole accepted guilty pleas from both Hurston and Beal on lessor charges of murder and robbery in the first degree. He then sentenced Hurston and Beal to life in prison on both charges, with both sentences to run concurrently.
After sentence was pronounced, Hurston apologized to Ms. Raney’s brother, daughter and other loved ones who were present in the courtroom.
“I didn’t intend for that to happen,” said Hurston. “Things got out of control. It was more than I was expecting. I was on drugs at the time. I was out of control and I am sorry.”
Cherokee County Investigator Danny Smith said the crime occurred July 11, 2002 between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., in the Tennala Community of Cherokee County. Authorities arrested Beal on July 11 and Hurston 11 days later.
Hurston, according to reports, originally applied for youthful offender status, but was denied. Earlier, Hurston and Beal both pled not guilty by reason of mental defect and disease before pleading guilty to the lessor charges of murder and robbery in the first degree.
Each charge, Judge Cole explained, carries a maximum penalty of not less than 10 years in prison and not more than life with fines and restitution payment not to exceed $20,000. Both Hurston and Beal must pay $7,011 each, which will include payments of $2,699 each to the Alabama Crime Victims’ Fund, $4,391 to Mrs. Barbara Raney and they will also be responsible for court costs and attorneys’ fees.
Beal has been lodged in Cherokee County Detention Center since July 11, 2002 and Hurston has been in the detention center since July 22. Both will be credited for time served, Judge Cole said
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