Three found guilty in 2020 murder of Micah Coon

A Covington County jury this week returned guilty verdicts for three people in the murder of Micah Coon in 2020.

Tyquise Jamal Jenkins, 27; Courtney Lee Porter, 33; and Frank Cortez McQueen, 45, all formerly of Andalusia, were convicted of murder, felony murder and first degree burglary.

District Attorney Walt Merrell expressed gratitude for the jury’s verdict.

“It wasn’t an easy case, and they worked hard to find justice,” Merrell said.

Andalusia Police Chief Paul Hudson also thanked the jury and those in his department who investigated the case.

“We appreciate both the jury and the district attorney’s office for their work in this case, which resulted in multiple convictions for these three defendants,” Chief Hudson said. “I also would like to commend our officers for putting together a solid case that ultimately led to these convictions. Our goal is always to see justice served, and we hope that Mr. Coon’s family finds comfort in having this case behind them.”

The defendants were represented at trial by a three-lawyer defense team, led by Andalusia Attorney Chris Sledge.

“In a case like this one where the evidence is solid and convincing, defense lawyers really have their work cut out for them. Sledge and the other lawyers tried a great case and fought hard for their clients,” Merrell said.

Merrell and Erin Wilson, who was practicing under a special provision that allows law students to participate in trial work, were set to begin the trial Monday, but Merrell was diagnosed Monday morning with Type-A flu but was cleared to return to the courtroom on Tuesday as non-contagious.

“Over the weekend, I started getting sick,” Merrell said. “By Sunday, I called (Wilson) and (Assistant DA) Nikki Stephens to notify them they would have to start on Monday without me.

“It was a great forging for our office staff. Having to shuffle at the last minute really showed the strengths of the office going into such an important case. Nikki and Erin pulled the case together for Monday, and Chief ADA Grace Jeter rallied the troops and did all the behind-the-scenes work. When I came back on Tuesday, the well-oiled machine had already been running smoothly. And we wanted everything to run smoothly for Micah Coon and his family.”

Coon was murdered on Nov. 16, 2020, after a fight in the parking lot of the Thirsty Turtle on South Three Notch Street in Andalusia. At trial, witnesses testified that Micah and Jenkins (along with Brittany Head, Jenkins’ wife) got into a brief fight, where Micah bested Jenkins. Coon then left the scene and went home. Jenkins and Head retreated to the home of Dora Porter on Whatley Street where they rallied help. Jenkins and Head left the Whatley Street residence in the company of Dontavious Powell, Frank McQueen, and Courtney Porter. All five then went to Micah’s residence on George Street and forcibly entered the home. Testimony revealed that, while there, McQueen fatally shot Micah.

“This crime was motivated by ego and revenge. Micah bested Jenkins, but the Porter family ego couldn’t have that. So, they decided to make him pay. Now, Micah’s three little girls will grow up without their daddy. And if we have any say so about it, those three little girls will also grow up without ever having to worry about seeing any of these defendants again,” Merrell noted.

Circuit Court Judge Charles “Lex” Short presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 18. Merrell said that all three defendants face the possibility of multiple life sentences. “That’s what we will be seeking as the sentences imposed.”

Brittany Head was found guilty for her involvement by a jury in 2024. She was sentenced to life in prison.

Merrell commended the Andalusia Police Department, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the State Bureau of Investigations for their roles in the case.

“Especially APD, and particularly Zak Wallace, Gene Jackson, Tyler Patterson, and Jody Scott. Those guys went above and beyond, and to see them all come together and work in cohesion with our office during the trial was truly what ‘protecting and serving’ should look like.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t speak to the folks in our office, too.  Under the circumstances, they had every reason to fail, but they all came together and worked long nights and hard days to make sure that justice was served. I am fortunate to have such a capable and caring staff. They are the best of the best.”

Murder, felony murder, and first degree burglary are all Class A felonies and are each punishable by up to life in prison.