|
|
 |
SCOTT WALTON |
|
|
Scott Walton for Sheriff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 20, 2008 ROGERS COUNTY: Scott Walton is asking for the public's help to join him in trying to keep a murderer in prison. Catoosa Chief of Police J.B. Hamby was murdered September 1, 1978 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Chief Hamby responded to a robbery in progress at a Catoosa tag agency where two armed men engaged him in a shooting. Hamby was shot but was able to return fire, killing one suspect. Hamby moved outside of the tag office to reload his revolver and the remaining suspect took the opportunity to run away. Hamby, mortally wounded, stumbled into a neighboring laundromat and died from his wounds on the floor.
In 1984, Smith was up for parole and was denied. He walked away from prison and stayed out for eight years until he was recaptured in South Dakota. When he was arrested he was found in the possession of a handgun in his car and several more at his home. When he was returned to Oklahoma he was sentenced to an additional four years for the escape. While in prison, Smith has gotten married, purchased a home and even allowed out of prison to participate in a Tulsa Run. Smith has been up for parole four previous times and comes up for parole again on Tuesday. Walton joins the Hamby family in opposing Smith's release and will travel to Oklahoma City on Tuesday with David Hamby, J.B. Hamby's brother. Rogers County District Attorney Gene Hayes will also address the parole board to voice opposition to Smith's release. “The death of J.B Hamby was a huge loss to the law enforcement community,” Walton said. “Thirty years later this man's name is still very respected and fresh in the minds of many in the community of Rogers County.” “Having grown up in this community, and knowing the Hamby family, I've witnessed the impact of this murder first-hand,” Walton said. “Besides law enforcement's loss, the greatest loss was that experienced by his family. It's my opinion that this debt can never be paid.” Walton said the thought of someone murdering a police officer while he protects the innocent and then watching that person serve only a few years in prison should be at least sickening. “After following the punishment of David Gordon Smith, his escape, and the total time served, I find it revolting that he should ever be considered for parole, especially for the fifth time,” Walton said. Walton is asking the public's help in telling Governor Brad Henry to stop the parole of David Gordon Smith. “It's too late for letters to be written but email can be sent to the governor's chief of staff, Gerald Adams,” Walton said. The email address for Chief of Staff Gerald Adams is gerald.adams@gov.ok.gov
|
Related Stories: |
|
|
|
||
|
Paid for by Scott Walton for Sheriff |
||
David
Gordon Smith was later apprehended at a hospital where he was
receiving treatment for a gunshot wound. He was convicted of Hamby's
murder and sentenced to life in prison. Five-years following his
sentence, Smith escaped from prison