A former police officer from Tuscumbia has been sentenced to two decades behind bars following his admission of guilt in a tragic manslaughter case involving the death of a pedestrian. The incident occurred in October 2022 when Jay Steward, while operating a police cruiser under the influence of alcohol, struck and killed Terry Hinton, who was simply checking his mailbox at the time.
On August 13th, Steward pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter, a significant shift from the initial accusation of reckless murder. The events leading to this tragic outcome unfolded when Steward, off duty, was driving the police vehicle at an alarming speed of approximately ninety miles per hour. The court’s decision on Tuesday reflects the severity of the actions that led to Hinton’s untimely death, underscoring the consequences of impaired driving and the responsibilities that come with law enforcement.
The Crockett Chronicle editorial team provides accurate, fact-checked reporting on local government, education, public safety, and community events across Lawrence County and surrounding areas. Our reporting follows strict editorial standards, relying on verified sources, public records, and first-hand reporting when possible. We are committed to delivering reliable information to our community while upholding transparency and accountability in every article.
Contact: [email protected] About the team: About Crockett Chronicle
Source Information
This article is based on information from public agencies, official statements, and verified public sources.
Editorial Note
This article was compiled using publicly available information and reviewed for accuracy prior to publication.
Corrections
If you notice an error in this article, please contact the newsroom at [email protected]. Corrections are published at the bottom of articles when needed.