Attempted Murder of Calhoun County Deputy

Calhoun County, AL – Per Calhoun County Sheriff, Matthew Wade, on May 1 at approximately 4:45p.m., Inmate Demario Lamote Burnett was being housed in a maximum security section, when he became noncompliant refusing to cuff up or lockdown in his cell. Burnett obtained a mop used for cleaning the section and he broke the handle into two pieces. He barricaded himself in a shower threatening to harm officers and refusing to go to his cell. Inmate Burnett became aggressive with the broken mop handle striking a deputy in the head repeatedly. Another deputy was also struck on his torso by Burnett. At that point, deputies and correctional officers responded with multiple types of less lethal munitions in an attempt to stop the attack and subdue the inmate. The less lethal techniques had little to no effect at the beginning. Eventually, a correctional officer using de-escalation techniques and the onset of the less than lethal chemical spray was able to convince the inmate to surrender. The deputy that was struck in the head was transported to the hospital for treatment where he was later released. After the situation was secured, an investigation into the incident began which included multiple body camera videos. District Attorney Brian McVeigh and his office reviewed the evidence and assisted our office in bringing the following charges:

Attempted Murder (Bond $30,000.00)

Assault 2^nd (Bond $20,000.00),

Promoting Prison Contraband 1^st (Bond $10,000.00)

Court date will be June 8, 2023 at 1:30p.m.

“First, I am thankful that the two deputies assaulted will recover, and I am extremely proud of the bravery that corrections officers and deputies displayed during this event. These men and women work hard to keep dangerous criminals off the streets of Calhoun County. ” Sheriff Matthew Wade

Burnett’s was being held on the following charges before yesterday’s incident:

Robbery 1^st Degree with a Weapon

Kidnapping 1^st Degree

Assault 1^st-Weapon

Attempt to Commit Murder

Probation Violation (Assault 2^nd)

Probation Violation (Robbery 1^st)

Assault 3^rd