North Jefferson News, Gardendale, AL

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September 1, 2010

Kimberly man arrested for beating father with hammer

By Ben Montgomery The North Jefferson News

KIMBERLY — A Kimberly man was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly beating his father in the head with a hammer, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Kimberly Police received a call at 9:12 p.m. from victim Virgil Guthrie, 68, saying that he had been assaulted by his son, Raymond Guthrie, 47. When Kimberly and Warrior police arrived on the scene, they found Virgil bleeding profusely from a wound on his head. After securing the scene, police contacted the sheriff’s office to take over the investigation.

“Kimberly and Warrior police did an extraordinary job securing the scene and apprehending the suspect before turning over the investigation,” said Chief Deputy Randy Christian.

Although Virgil was hurt, police said he was able to to say that he had been assaulted by his son.

“The father was already in frail health with no way of

defending himself,” said Christian.

Officers said they found Raymond hiding in the back yard. He was arrested and temporarily taken to the Warrior city jail.

Sergeant Bill Isbell with Kimberly police said Raymond had a history of arrests.

“But, I was kind of surprised he did this,” he said.

A sheriff’s office detective called several evidence tech officers to process the scene. Lifesaver staff said Virgil’s initial outlook was not good.

Christian said deputies then picked up Raymond from the Warrior jail and transported him to the Jefferson County jail where he was questioned.

Deputies said Virgil was later released from the hospital with broken bones in his face and a concussion.

“It’s hard to believe someone could enter his father’s room and beat him

with a hammer while he is sleeping,” said Christian. “Takes someone really ‘special’ to be capable of that.”

Christian said Raymond was held on an attempted murder charge with a $60,000 bond. According to the sheriff’s office, it is unknown what led to the altercation.

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