Murder attempt charge added

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 17, 2012

The man accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house and shooting her current boyfriend is now facing an attempted murder charge.

Chief Deputy David Anderson of the Covington County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday, investigators have expanded the case against John David Hughes, 41, of Wing.

“He’s also been charged with reckless endangerment,” he said.

Shortly before 3 a.m. Tuesday, Hughes allegedly broke into the Red Oak Road home where David Reynolds, an unidentified female, and her 16-year-old son were sleeping. Witness statements said Hughes fired two shots from a shotgun at Reynolds, striking him in the shoulder.

The trio held Hughes down until law enforcement arrived. Reynolds was later treated and released from Andalusia Regional Hospital for his non-life threatening injury.

Anderson said previously this incident wasn’t a “home invasion” since nothing was stolen from the home. Hughes was charged that morning with first-degree burglary, a charge, Anderson said, under Alabama law, given if a person enters a residence with the intent to commit a crime.

Assistant District Attorney Grace Jeter said Hughes pled in April to second-degree possession of marijuana and was given probation. On Wednesday, his probation was revoked.