Colbert Co. man accused of killing Sheffield man found not guilty of murder
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WAFF) - A Colbert County man accused of killing a Sheffield man was found not guilty after claiming self defense in court.
Andre Horrison was accused of killing K’Vion Lamont Ruffin in a shooting in April 2022. He turned himself into the Colbert County Jail days later.
Horrison’s lawyers claimed self-defense in court on Wednesday, claiming Ruffin appeared to reach for a gun before he was shot. Investigators on the case said Horrison did admit to the murder.
The defense team, lead by Tony Hughes, also claimed too much evidence was missing to charge Horrison with murder.
“My client is very happy,” Hughes said. “He’s contended the whole time that he was not guilty. You know, he’s always admitted to the responsibility of the shooting but he admitted that it was in self defense. He’s always maintained that. The jury today saw that. Of course, we are happy with the jury’s verdict.”
Hughes said he was giving Andre advice as they walked out of the courtroom.
“I told him, Andre, that he has a new lease on life and he should take advantage of that,” Hughes said. “Live his life good. And continue to live his life good.”
The case closed on Thursday with the ruling. Colbert County District Attorney Hal Hughston said he respects the jury’s decision but does not agree with it.
“Obviously we are very upset with the verdict we received today,” Hughston said. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family. I cannot imagine what they’re going through at this time.”
The evidence missing from the case was video surveillance showing parts of the shooting, a statement from Ruffin’s girlfriend, a phone call between Horrison and an investigator, photos of the car where Ruffin was transported to the hospital and more. Hughes said the evidence was from before Hughston’s time in the position of District Attorney.
“On the flip side, I would like to say how proud I am of my office and my staff and the job that they did in a case that we inherited,” Hughston said. “And overcoming many, many hurdles just to simply get it to trial and to get it in front of a jury.”
The state’s case was that Horrison admitted to the murder, investigators found no gun at the crime scene or on Ruffin and a man died due to Horrison’s actions.
The jury found Horrison not guilty of murder in less than two hours of deliberation.
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