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Scene was ‘horrific’
Sheriff’s Office, police were among 1st responders
Published Wednesday, March 11, 2009
“We are not immune.”
With those words, Sheriff Dennis Meeks recounted what he and other local law enforcement officers witnessed firsthand Tuesday as they responded to the scene in Samson where a gunman killed 10 people, including a Geneva County Sheriff’s deputy’s wife and his 18-month-old daughter.
“I have never seen anything like it,” Meeks said. “It was a horrific scene, a senseless act. Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened here before.”
Investigators are still trying to figure out why Michael McLendon, 28, killed five family members and five others at random. The rampage started shortly after 3:30 p.m. and spanned two counties for more than an hour, during which McLendon sprayed more than 200 rounds from four guns, including two assault rifles.
Meeks and Chief Deputy David Anderson, along with CCSO investigators, deputies, reserve officer, posse members and Drug Task Force agents, were among the first wave of neighboring law enforcement agencies who responded to the crime scenes left in McLendon’s wake.
Meeks, Anderson and Opp’s assistant chief Mike McDonald responded to the scene of McLendon’s uncle’s Pullum Street home in Samson, where they quickly began helping secure the crime scene until other law enforcement agencies could arrive.
“Those people never had a chance, they were right there on the porch when they got shot,” Meeks said. “It was just horrible.
“When we arrived, we began by helping with the initial stages of the investigation as far as we could,” he said. “It was getting eyewitness statements, taking photos — it was a lot of photo logs. Later, as more officers arrived and (Alabama Bureau of Investigation) and the (Federal Bureau of Investigation) came in to start the major process, we were sent over to Geneva to assist.”
Meeks said it was hard to comprehend the “senselessness” of the act.
“When (an officer) get(s) there, you’re going to do what you have to do,” he said. “At that point, you’re not taking in what’s there, what’s happened.
“That comes later, and you realize how devastating this act is — our hearts go out to the families — but it makes you realize that even us here in Covington County, we are not immune.
“It happened in Samson. It could happen here,” he said. “God forbid. Right now, this investigation is ongoing. We don’t know exactly what happened or why it occurred. We have no idea. We don’t where the ties may lead. I just pray that it never happens in Covington County.”
McDonald said the sense of “shock” extended far from the town limits.
“You could tell people were just wandering around in a sense of shock and it was affecting everyone in the area,” McDonald said. “It’s just a bad situation — a bad, bad situation.”
New details surrounding the events emerged Wednesday afternoon as authorities speculated on what prompted McLendon’s actions.
“We found a list of people he worked with, people who had done him wrong,” said Coffee County District Attorney Gary McAiley in a brief interview outside the charred house where the rampage began.
Among those on the list were Kelley Foods in Elba, where McLendon quit three days before the shootings, as well as Reliable Metals in Samson, the site where he took his own life, and a Pilgrim’s Pride plant near Enterprise where his mother had worked. It also included the names of eight local attorneys, but McAiley wouldn’t elaborate further on what might be included the list.
The list, which was found in the charred remains of the Kinston home of McLendon’s mother, Lisa, was among the items that led investigators to believe this was no random act. Also found were more than 20 empty ammunition boxes, military and survival gear and medical supplies.
Comments
Posted by SEAN (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
its so sad that such a terrible tragedy such as this happened in our neck of the woods when so many of us thought that never in our life would we ever be able to drive just up the road and see where so many bodies were slain mercilessly at the hands of a lone mad man. just the thought of it and the sights of it on tv and the internet and in the papers and all, it's just terrible.
besides the fact that this happened, however, it is even sadder that the fact is that people in other, bigger places, look at places like ours and talk about such small communities and towns and how they are "so small that everyone knows everybody". i mean, thats all i ever heard, and for the most part, it's true. but, with all this publicity, this entire theory could be proved wrong just by these two news paper articles. our "local newspaper, and authorities, and even some samaritans as well" are so blind to the facts here that is a shame. all i got out of these 2 articles about this tragedy, besides a madman was on the loose, was that "a Geneva County Sheriffs Deputy's wife and 18 month old were killed and 4 month old hostpitolized" and the other article talking about "Geneva County Sheriff Deputy Josh Meyers". and out of both articles, it states, and i do quote, "those other people...". South Alabama, southeast America, i'm here to tell you, that is is truly a terrible time for this man, he does deserve prayer. i'm not saying anything bad about him, but the truth is, besides this mans wife and children, there were 9 others that were killed. 9 other people. in this situation, i, personally don't care whether he was a sheriffs deputy or garbage collector, his occupation doesn't matter, his wife and kids are no more important in this situation, than the other 9 people killed and the 3 or 4 that were injured. we should as a communtity, over look this, and share the same grief for ALL THE VICTIMS . none of them deserved what happened to them. none of them did. none of them is more important than another at this point. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY VICTIM THAT LOST THIER LIFE. GOD BLESS THERE FAMILIES IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF. GOD BLESS THE MAN WHO WAS INJURED,YET, STILL TRIED TO HELP OTHERS. GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO ASSISTED. EVERYBODY!.
Posted by bluesclues (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 2:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree, they ALL died in the same way, at the hands of the same madman, with the same guns..same day...give them ALL the same respect.
Posted by samson58 (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 4:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that what happened Tuesday was a tragedy that no one in south Ala would have ever believed could happen. The senseless loss of all the lives, heartbreaking,
But folks I have to say that my heart is absolutely crushed to think that an 18 month old little girl was taken because of this. I have a granddaughter just a little older than this and I cannot imagine the pain these family members are feeling right now.
Think about this. Have you ever seen the look on a little ones face when you put him or her in the swing outside and swing for hours, or the smile you see when they get that first taste of a good sweet watermellon, or the way they splash in the little kiddy pool in the summertime.
I have to say that the loss of a little one moves my sense of sympathy to a whole new level, regardless of who the parents are.
I would guess that from the time she was old enough to realize who mother and daddy were that she felt safe and secure when they were near. She will never get to experience any of the things that the others that died did during their lifetimes.
We can all be assured that she's being watched over by the greatest Father of all now.
My opinion may upset some that read this but I really don't mind.
My heart goes out to all the ones that were lost and to the friends and family.
But A little more to the newest angel in heaven.
Posted by Ineedtobeheard (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I have to agree that no life is more important that the other, yall, there was a 15 year old kid killed too, and suffice to say that the death of the baby does seriously upset everyone including me, but all in all, there were 10 innocent people who lost their lives to this madman, and yes, he was a madman, but why, what happened to this seemingly (by the reports) quiet, nice person, "leader", what happened. Obviously this was a planned event. I don't know, nor does anyone else, and we will never understand what goes on in the minds of people who decide to take the lives of others for no reason. This just really makes you afraid to sit on your own front porch and enjoy a lazy afternoon. It's just truly horrifying to me. The next time you are out going to town for anything, just look around at people who love to sit out on their front porches, visiting with neighbors, talking, watching the kids play in the yard, just enjoying life, and then think of the unimaginable thing that happened in Samson Tuesday afternoon. It's just unbelievable that something of this magnitude could happen, and did! God Bless ALL the victims and the victims' families in this terrible time they are facing and in the days and years to come. They will NEVER over this. But just keep them in your prayers and maybe they can have just a bit of peace of mind. Also, pray for that poor little angel that remains in the hospital, that will never know her mother, as she was taken away from her in this horrific event. It's just all very, very sad. All those people had families, close families, children, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, cousins, and now they are taken away from them, and it's just truly terrible for the families. I agree they all should be recognized and appreciated, not only the select couple. Granted the officer lost his wife, the mother of his children, and a precious little girl, and he has to hurt uncontrollably, but the other families are hurting just as bad yall. This community needs to stick together and pull together for these victims' families and keep all of them in your prayers. Thank you.
Posted by pathenley (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The shootings in our neighboring counties are so sad for each family. I hope the best for the baby that was injured and is due for surgery, also I pray for her little brother that as I understand -saw this event happen, resulting in him losing his mother and baby sister . It will be hard on the ones left behind to get through, and we must remember ALL of them and their needs -spiritually and financially. One lady lost her husband, daughter,and grandson as well as her mother-in- law , grandmother-in-law. Her name is Phyllis- Please remember her in your prayers. Look into your heart and ask if you can help her in someway.This was a close family . Have a blest day, and hug your family.
Posted by BamaRose61 (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Where does it say "those other people"? The quote is “Those people never had a chance, they were right there on the porch when they got shot,” Meeks said. “It was just horrible". I believe Sheriff Meeks was referring to the scene where most of the blood shed took place, he was not singling out anybody. But yes, all the victims and families needs our prayers. It is going to take a while for the area to get back to normal, but it is going to take longer if ever for the families directly effected. I pray for all those involved, not just the families, but the witness and the law enforcement cause this is something that is going to be with them forever. Like one poster said hug your family and tell them you love them cause you never know, it could be the last time.
Posted by gasman (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
did you go by WAAO this morning the traffic was back up did me good to see everyone giving what they did no matter how much or how little as for as the persons or person who think everyone wasn't thinking of all the victims you are so wrong,when a child is killed it really tears at your heart,but the people of this area can really be proud for giving what they could and the many many prayers that was for all three towns.Also a big THANKS TO WAAO FOR GETTING THIS STARTED
Posted by SEAN (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
that 15 year old was a child too. that 24 year old was a child. come one. they were all people. they all died. they all deserve it. not just the cops family
Posted by ANDALUSIA222 (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SEAN YOU ARE A IDIOT
Posted by SEAN (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
YEA YOU ARE RIGHT...IM AN IDIOT. I BELIEVE IN WHAT OUR CONSTITUTION STATES. WE ARE ALL EQUAL. ITS KIND OF IRONIC THAT IM AN IDIOT FOR STANDING UP FOR THE 9 OTHER VICTIMS NOBODY SEEMS TO BE INTERESTED IN, YET ALL YOU CAN DO IS GET ONLINE AND CALL ME NAMES. YOUR ONLY COMMENT ON THIS ENTIRE SITUATION IS THAT IM AN IDIOT...WELL YOU COLD HEARTED FOOL, I'M AN IDIOT BUT WHAT DOES THAT MAKE YOU?
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's been such a long time since I thought enough of any story to contribute. Today, I feel the need to say Sean, get off the cops. From the time you started your "posts" it's always been a pot for you to stir on the police/deputies in this area. This is a tragedy. Devestating and deserves no one badgering someone for the amount of publicity one is getting. Leave it alone. These families are going through more pain and hurt than any of us could even imagine. Leave it alone and try to get on your knees tonight and pray for all the families. I know that we will. Leave the comments of how "cops" get special treatment...leave it alone. There's more important things in life, obviously, than worrying about how a widower and his only living child are being protrayed.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ANDALUSIA222 wrote"SEAN YOU ARE A IDIOT." Uh did you think of that all by you wittle,wittle self. Anyway SEAN is right about this. Just read the first paragraph of the article.
Posted by SEAN (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by RepoMan (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So should it read "Members of the suspects family and 4 others were murdered in cold blood at the hands of a depressed male suspect with a gun." Would that make you all happy and make this all go away? I don't think so.
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sean, once again...you've proven your ability to show all of your ignorance. Good job.
Posted by nurse (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SEAN. How do you know that none of the other victims were not related to law enforcement...just because it doesn't say so? They might have been or might not have been. Yes, I believe that all but one of the victims deserve our respect and prayers. As for the insane gunman...I do not respect him or his actions. If he wanted to kill himself...that would have been fine! However, he chose to take the lives of 10 innocent people along with him. As you rant and rave about respect, you should have some respect instead of keeping everything stirred up! Obviously, you have some sort of deep-seeded resentment for law enforcement. Should we start looking for another rampage because people "done you wrong?"
Posted by andytransplant (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, my heart and prayers go out to all of the families involved in this senseless tragedy. I know the Lord welcomed the victims with open arms and I pray that He will be with the family members & friends left behind as they work their way through their grief. I must honestly say that when I first heard of the collection being made for the deputy and his surviving family, I too wondered why just for him when there were so many that lost their lives and so many other families affected by this. I think the reason the deputy's name kept coming up was because I believe that I read somewhere that ironically he was actually involved in the chase to try to stop the shooter. I think that WAAO and the citizens of Covington County have really shown their hearts in the way they all worked together out there today. The money they've collected and the donated caskets will go to all the families of all the victims. I don't believe the money yesterday was collected with the intent to devalue the lives of the other victims. I believe that it was a few people with huge hearts wanting to do something...and being that the deputy was the only one named at first, by both local news/newspapers & national news/newspapers...that's where it started. But today, we've shown our hearts to all the families. So Sean, I think you've made your point and have made your feelings known...but it's time to give it a rest hon. Harping on it is not helping the families. Right now, they need our prayers and support.
Posted by concernedmom (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that it is a disgrace that every time an article is posted here that some IDIOT(s) have to start name calling and people bashing. The families of the victims of this tragedy deserve and need our prayers, understanding and respect. This is not a time to bring anyone's occupation into this, it doesn't matter what the man does for a living, he lost his wife and child just as the other families lost their loved ones. My opinion is that in this time of sorrow please let these families and loved ones try to begin to heal and keep all the negative comments to yourself. Show some RESPECT!
Posted by ANDALUSIA222 (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SEAN DOES HAVE A RESENTMENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVENT YALL READ HIS PRIOR POST THAT HE IS A PRIOR VISITOR OF THE COUNTY JAIL
Posted by SEAN (anonymous) on March 12, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
andalusia222 and nurse if it were to happen again by me, so help me God, you would be the first on my list. every comment that i have posted that has anything to do with this situation whatsoever has said to treat them equally. to treat each and every family the same. where, in my comments, do you see any thing negative at all about our law enforcement? the fact that i was in jail 10 years ago has absolutely nothing to do with now. why must you throw bull crap from unrelated articles 2 1/2 months ago into this? is that the respect that i fail to show? nurse...i really don't give a flying rats.... about where who works at. that was the exact opposite of my point. i feel the EXACT SAME for this officer (who is a complete stranger) as i do for the rest of these victims (who are complete strangers as well) i just wanted the simple point to be made that his occupation seems to be the only difference in him and the victims. and his name is mentioned several times. is that or is it not true? the fact that you 2 could even so much as think of starting a fight with someone over this is just immature and childish. it seems to me that the 2 of you have problems with people that make mistakes. God only knows the 2 of you have a spot waiting in heaven for being as perfect as you claim to be while hiding your butts behind that computer screen talking trash about things that have nothing to do with the topic. again, i feel for the families equally. deputy meyers name has been mentioned in every single article and conversation on this topic. none of the other innocent victims are even so much as mentioned but once. why? you smart people. explain to me why? so what hes a cop. that badge does him a lot of good but it didn't save his wife and kid so why put the man on the pedistal. so what. his 2 loved ones are missed just as much as 9 others no matter how many times they mention his name. no matter that i went to jail 10 years ago.
andalusia222 i'm at arbys all the time....come see me about my disrespect and resentment buddy. until you are MAN enough to come out from behind that screen, keep my name out of your mouth. people like you are the reason there are so many repeat offenders. people like who who just can't drop it. here all these folks say im rantin and ragin, however, you bring up conversations from 2 1/2 months ago that have absolutely nothing to do with this just to draw attention to yourself. you come see me and i'll show you special attention.
Posted by AnotherVoiceintheCrowd (anonymous) on March 13, 2009 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Deputy Myers is mentioned because his wife and children likely were the first to be identified due to his association with the law enforcement officers on the scene. LEOs are generally a close knit family of sorts...very much like members of the military. You might also keep in mind that while there were others killed, and their deaths are no less tragic, there may be some respect being shown to their families. The general practice is to not release the names of victims until their families have been notified. Deputy Myers, perhaps, was notified more quickly of his loved ones deaths than some of the other victims' families.
All the families of the victims will have a very tough time dealing with the reality of what has happened. All of them will need prayers.
Posted by nurse (anonymous) on March 13, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AnotherVoiceintheCrowd...you said what I have been trying to convey. All the victims deserve the same amount of respect. Please continue to pray for all of them and the families they left behind. It was a tragic incident, one that I hope never happens again. We should all come together in this time and open our arms to the hurting families. My thoughts and prayers go out to those families and the communities dealing with the tragedies.
Posted by Kathy052 (anonymous) on March 13, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAS EVERYONE ALSO FORGOT THIS MAN HAS A 4YR. OLD SON???????I KNOW THEY DON'T MAKE MUCH MONEY.WHY DON'T YA'LL ALSO TALK TO THE EMS PEOPLE THEY SURE DON'T BUT THAT IS THE JOB THEY CHOOSE.ALSO MR.WISE WAS ON T.V. HE HAD TO GO HOME WITHOUT HIS WIFE AND SON.I THINK EVERYONE HAS DONE A GREAT JOB.BUT LET IT REST FOR A WHILE. THESE PEOPLE HAVE FAMILY THAT ALSO GOES AND READS THESE POST AND THEY DON'T NEED ANYMORE HURT. EVERYONE HAS GOOD AND BAD POINTS AND I FOR ONE HAVE MADE SOME BAD POINTS BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LET IT REST. LET THESE PEOPLE HEAR SOMETHING GOOD FOR AWHILE AND NOT THE FUSSING ABOUT WHO IS GETTING WHAT OR WHO IS GETTING THE MOST. HAS ANYONE HEARD WHEN THE FUNERALS ARE AND I HOPE THE STAR NEWS WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH TO POST THEIR OBITUARIES. Pull together folks that is what is wrong we are all pulling apart and now days it is GOD don't P----s someone off.It is horrible. Let the families have peace for a while.
Posted by iamme (anonymous) on March 13, 2009 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand that everyone is upset about the tragic incident ,but there is other members of his family who is just as important, and why are they not talking much about them........ Alot of lives were lost but those other people are just as important.
Posted by dixiemomma (anonymous) on March 13, 2009 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe all the funerals are to be Monday. You should see how the Media is still camped out in Samson and Geneva. Its really sad, they should let the people bury their dead in peace.
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