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Man charged with murder after a night of drinking

By Jeanie Powell - bio | email
Posted by Dana Franks - email

TONEY, AL (WAFF) - A Toney man is charged with murder after Madison County sheriff's investigators said they gathered enough evidence to arrest him for his neighbor's shooting death.

Investigators have the weapon and the man they believe is responsible. What they're still looking for is a motive.

The shooting occurred Monday on Bentley Drive in Madison County at the home of Billy Bennett, Sr. The girlfriend of Ray Helms, 44, said he and Bennett, 71 had been drinking muscadine wine the night Helms was killed.

"That's some of the strongest stuff you could ever drink," said Debra Beard, who was wearing Helms' favorite shirt Tuesday, given to him by two teenage daughters he cherished.

"He was the best man I ever met," Beard said. "He was a very loving, kind man and he loved his kids, and he loved his mother, and he loved his family, and I know he loved me with all his heart."

Helms had planned on spending the night at Beard's house Sunday, but never made it there.

"Ray did not deserve to be killed," Beard said.

On Monday morning, Bennett called 911 when he discovered Helms' body in his carport.

Madison County sheriff's deputies, investigators, and a crime scene unit arrived Monday to piece together the events. Detectives told WAFF 48 News on Tuesday that Bennett was very cooperative, but claimed to have not remembered details.

However, investigators said certain statements he gave them indicated he knew a lot more than he was letting on.

Bennett was charged with the murder of a man he's known for a long time. Investigators said he handed over the small-caliber revolver he used to shoot the victim multiple times in the torso.

Investigators said they believe the shooting happened inside the home.

Skylor Meyers knew Helms in the neighborhood.

"He was a caring guy," Meyers said. "He always talked about his kids.  He was good to me. He treated me like family to him and stuff like that.  I respected him and he respected me.  He was a good guy, that's all I know."

Bennett was released on $30,000 bond. The sheriff's office says there doesn't seem to have been any record or sign of animosity between the two in the past.

Helms will be laid to rest Wednesday in Hazel Green.

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