Sylacauga stabbing victim dies; assault charge could be upgraded pending autopsy

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SYLACAUGA, Ala. – An 80-year-old man who was stabbed earlier this month in Sylacauga has died.

The Sylacauga Police Department reported that John McElrath died Thursday, April 23, shortly before 9:00 p.m. McElrath had been hospitalized since Thursday, April 9, when officers found him on the front porch of his home suffering from multiple stab wounds.

He was transported to a landing zone and airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment.

Police said Talladega County E-911 received a call at about 10:25 a.m. on April 9 reporting a stabbing in the 800 block of N Main Ave. Responding officers located McElrath and began an investigation at the scene.

A 34-year-old California woman, identified as Tashae Devay Whitson, was detained for questioning. Authorities initially charged Whitson with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Investigators later obtained a warrant charging her with second-degree assault, and she was served while in the Talladega County Jail. Bond was set at $30,000.

Police said an autopsy will be performed to determine whether Whitson’s charges will be upgraded.


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