State Agrees To $1M Settlement For Family Of Slain Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The state of Alabama has agreed to pay $1 million to the two daughters of slain Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson as part of a settlement regarding the circumstances of his death.

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As Patch previously reported, Johnson was one of two deputies shot during the pursuit on June 29, 2022. While the other deputy was released shortly thereafter, Johnson died of his injuries the following day.

Birmingham attorney Tommy James pointed out that Johnson was killed in the line of duty a little after he was shot by Austin Patrick Hall — a felon with an extensive criminal record spanning at least 46 charges and multiple imprisonments.

James explained that the settlement addresses allegations concerning the release of Hall prior to the murder.

As part of the settlement, the state has agreed to pay $1 million to Johnson's family, which is the maximum amount allowed under current Alabama law.

“I can confirm a settlement has been reached between the State and the Estate of Deputy Brad Johnson concerning the circumstances leading to the release of Austin Patrick Hall and the subsequent tragic death of Deputy Johnson,” James said. “As indicated by the Governor, the State has agreed to pay $1,000,000, the maximum amount allowed under Alabama law.

"Deputy Johnson was more than a law enforcement officer; he was a devoted public servant and a true hero, and we will never forget his sacrifice," he added. "His tragic death is a stark reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day.”

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a press release Wednesday that "fundamental flaws" in Alabama law granting correctional incentive "good time" to inmates failed Deputy Johnson and his family.

“On January 9, I issued an executive order to halt the deficiencies in correctional good time that allowed inmates reduced prison sentences and early release despite records of violent behavior and escape," Ivey said. “On April 14, I was also proud to sign into law SB1, which codifies further reforms to correctional good time to ensure that convicted felons no longer access loopholes in the law to threaten law enforcement and the public.

Patrick Hall was indicted in June on three counts of capital murder, one count of Attempted Murder, and one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied automobile.

James has represented victims in similar cases and previously represented the families of the three murder victims of Jimmy O’Neal Spencer in Guntersville in a case against the State of Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Spencer was found guilty of seven counts of capital murder in 2018. However, Spencer was alleged to have been wrongfully paroled at the time of the murders.

In that case, James represented the families of Spencer’s three alleged murder victims, resulting in the family of the victims also receiving the maximum payout of $1 million as part of a settlement.

James went on to say Johnson’s family can now focus on the criminal case against Austin Patrick Hall.

"They are hoping for swift and severe justice," he said. "Brad’s family is extremely grateful for the overwhelming support they have received from citizens throughout the state and across the country, and ask for continued thoughts and prayers."

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