Montgomery, Alabama – The presiding judge of Montgomery County’s 15th Judicial Circuit, Johnny Hardwick, is currently in critical condition after an alleged shooting incident involving his son. The suspect, Khalfani A. Hardwick, 36, who had previously been convicted of a shooting in 2014, reportedly assaulted and shot his father following a domestic dispute, as stated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic incident at Judge Hardwick’s residence around 1:00 p.m. Upon arrival, it was discovered that Judge Hardwick had been assaulted, shot, and suffered serious injuries at the hands of his own son. The suspect then fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle on Trotman Road, but was later apprehended on U.S. Highway 231.
Khalfani Hardwick is now facing charges of first-degree domestic violence and being in possession of a firearm despite being forbidden to have one. Notably, in 2014, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault after shooting a family friend. It is reported that he did not serve any prison time for that conviction.
Prior to his current role as judge, Johnny Hardwick held various positions in federal, state, and Montgomery city positions before being appointed to the circuit court in 2001. Last year, he was appointed as the president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges, showcasing his dedication to the legal profession.
This shocking incident has sent ripples through the Montgomery legal community, raising questions about the safety of judges and their families. It also sheds light on the complexities of domestic disputes and the potential for violence within families, even those involved in the legal system.
As the investigation into this tragic event unfolds, the community is coming together to support Judge Hardwick and his family during this difficult time. The impact of this incident is not just felt within the legal community, but resonates throughout Montgomery and beyond as people grapple with the senseless violence that has affected one of their own.