SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Two Jefferson County men will face a Jefferson County jury on capital murder charges in connection with the 2021 shooting death of Brad Isbell at his home on Harper Springs Rd. in Sylacauga.
33-year old Markkeis A. Towns is scheduled to stand trial next March. He is accused of fatally shooting Isbell on June 23, 2021, and wounding Rachel Elizabeth Haynes. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office alleges Towns was paid through a series of intermediaries to carry out the shooting on behalf of his cousin, Montrell Towns, also 33, who was incarcerated at the time.
Both men are charged with capital murder. If convicted, they would face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Attorneys for Markkeis Towns have requested a December hearing on a claim of intellectual disability. If the claim is confirmed, it would prohibit him from being sentenced to death if convicted.
The trial is set to take place in Jefferson County because prosecutors contend the alleged conspiracy that led to Isbell’s death was formed there.
Three women – Tahila M. Lomax, Keira M. Turner, and Allana A. Reid – have also been indicted on capital murder charges for their alleged roles in Isbell’s death. No trial dates have been set for the women.
