News In Birmingham: The Week In Review February 12-16

BIRMINGHAM, AL - With the tragic school shooting in Florida on Valentine's Day topping the nation's headlines, the week in Birmingham took a distant back seat, comparatively speaking. However, there were several headlines worth noting in the Magic City during the week. Here are a few to review:

Found After Missing For 36 Hours, Lisa Holman Is Recovering

After a car accident left her disoriented, Chelsea resident Lisa Holman was missing for more than 36 hours, prompting a search party that involved more than 300 volunteers, multiple law enforcement agencies and K-9 units. Holman was found alive and is recovering from severe injuries.

Gardendale Denied Chance To Start Own School System

The city of Gardendale has been trying to break away from the Jefferson County school system for several years now, and were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel until Judge Bill Pryor ruled they could not move forward with the plan.

Former Birmingham Police Academy Recruit Charged With Murder

A 21-year old man who had attended the Birmingham Police Academy in January was charged with the murder of Dietrich Boone on Friday, February 9. The man had resigned from his position at the police academy prior to being terminated after allegations of conduct violations were sustained against him.

The Search Continues For Missing Hoover Teenager

The search for 18-year-old Ajah Blackledge has been ongoing for more than two weeks now, and law enforcement have followed numerous leads but there is still no sign of her. She was last seen on January 29 at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Hoover. She has not had any contact with her family since.

Two Hoover High School Students Charged With Murder

Two high school seniors in Hoover have been charged with the murder of a 17-year old from Clay. The couple, Jada Williams and Traquarus Brannon , lured the victim out of his home with a phone call and shot him when he approached their vehicle.

Photo by Michael Seale