Al Sharpton's half brother challenges capital murder charge

DOTHAN, Ala. – The Rev. Al Sharpton's half brother faces a capital murder charge in Alabama, and he's challenging that charge in court.

Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish said the Rev. Kenneth Glasgow drove 26-year-old Jamie Townes around Sunday to look for his stolen car before Townes allegedly shot 23-year-old Breunia Jennings, believing she was the thief. In Alabama, a person aiding or abetting a criminal act is equally liable.

But Glasgow said he's not responsible for what his passenger did after he drove the man around.

The Dothan Eagle reports that Glasgow repeatedly asked District Judge Benjamin Lewis on Tuesday why he could be put to death for "what someone else does."

"I don't know why I am facing capital murder charges," Glasgow stated. "I'm not responsible for what someone else does. He just asked me for a ride to take him to look for his car."

Lewis told Glasgow he needed to stop making comments until he could speak with his attorney.

Glasgow asked Lewis to appoint an attorney to represent him. However, his mother, Tina Glasgow, informed Lewis the family would be hiring an attorney to represent Glasgow.

Glasgow inquired about bail, but Lewis said his current charge isn't eligible for bail. A preliminary hearing will be held April 6 to determine whether a judge finds enough evidence to send the charge to a grand jury for possible indictment. Lewis told Glasgow he could be eligible for bail if the capital murder charge was changed to a lesser charge at the preliminary hearing.

Glasgow founded a homeless ministry in Dothan and has worked to restore voting rights to ex-convicts after serving time for a drug conviction.

Glasgow's mother declined to comment after the hearing..

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Information from: The Dothan Eagle, http://www.dothaneagle.com