Judge Johnny Hardwick, who presides over the 15th Judicial Circuit of Montgomery County, Alabama, is currently in critical condition following an alleged shooting incident involving his son, who has a history of violence.
The incident occurred on Saturday, with Johnny Hardwick reportedly being assaulted and shot by his son, Khalfani A. Hardwick, 36, after a domestic dispute, according to authorities from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a statement released by the police, deputies responded to a domestic incident at Judge Johnny Hardwick’s residence around 1:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that Judge Hardwick had been assaulted, shot, and seriously injured by his son, who subsequently fled the scene. His vehicle was later found abandoned on Trotman Road, and he was apprehended shortly after on U.S. Highway 231.
Alabama Judge in Critical Condition After Alleged Shooting by Son (Credits: UPI)
Khalfani Hardwick faces charges of first-degree domestic violence and possession of a pistol by certain persons forbidden to possess one.
This isn’t the first time Khalfani Hardwick has been involved in a violent incident. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for shooting Clayton Riley in the head, a family friend. Notably, he served no prison time for this offense.
Judge Johnny Hardwick has an extensive legal career, having served in various federal, state, and municipal positions before his appointment to the circuit court in 2001. Last August, he was honored with the position of president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges.
