Calhoun County, AL – On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, a Calhoun County jury was selected and officially sworn in by presiding Judge Jennifer Weems to hear the state’s case against Christopher Westmoreland. Westmoreland is facing charges that date back to his time as director at the Calhoun County Animal Shelter (see original story), where there were allegations of animal cruelty.
The first witnesses called to the stand were all questioned regarding their involvement with the investigation. Questions about which investigators interviewed witnesses or persons of interest, and which investigators were at certain areas, such as the Calhoun County Animal Shelter, seemed ambiguous, but they were necessary to introduce evidence and testimony later in the trial.
Seventh Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney District Attorney Lynn Hammond gave the opening statement outlining the direction and overview of the case. Defense Attorney Billy Jackson also provided an opening statement defending his client, Westmoreland. The court then turned the proceedings over to D.A. Hammond to call the state’s first witness, Allen George. Commander George stated that he oversaw the 7th Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Unit (MCU) and responded to questions regarding the people he interviewed and the steps he took during the course of the investigation. It was also during this line of questioning that D.A. Hammond introduced documents packaged as Exhibit 1. Upon completion of the initial questioning, Defense Attorney Jackson cross-examined Commander George. Jackson probed further into who George interviewed and spoke with. He also asked questions to ensure that Miranda rights were read when appropriate. Upon completing his testimony, Commander George was released as a witness.
The state then called Alex Ference to be sworn in and testify. D.A. Hammond began questioning the witness for the state. Alex Ference identified himself as the Chief Investigator with the Seventh Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and stated that he has been an investigator with the D.A.’s office for 26 years. During testimony, Chief Ference also disclosed that he spoke to two separate witnesses via telephone and recorded the conversations. The defense was then given the opportunity to cross-examine the witness. Defense Attorney Jackson again verified information and asked if there were any additional contacts that had not been discussed. Ference stated that no information had been left out. Ference was then released as a witness.
The state then called Angela Davis. D.A. Hammond began questioning Davis and asked her to identify herself and her position. Davis stated she was a District Attorney investigator. During the course of her testimony, Investigator Davis stated that D.A. Brian McVeigh asked her to participate in the investigation. She also testified that she conducted four witness interviews. Investigator Davis further testified that the Calhoun County Animal Shelter veterinarian was Dr. Morning, who had also worked as a vet in Cullman County. She also stated that Dr. Morning and Westmoreland originally met in Cullman County. The defense then cross-examined the witness, verifying information and context from previous testimony before resting. The witness was then released.
The D.A. then called Johnathan Butler to the witness stand to be sworn in and testify. Butler testified that he was an investigator with the City of Oxford Police Department at the time of his involvement and has been with the department for 19 years. The request for his involvement came from Chief Bill Partridge at the request of D.A. Brian McVeigh. Lieutenant Butler testified that his role in the investigation was to conduct two witness interviews, which he completed through recorded phone calls. The defense then cross-examined the witness. Near the end of cross-examination, Defense Attorney Jackson produced a report submitted by the witness and verified that it was his. The witness confirmed it was the report he submitted. The defense then questioned the accuracy of the animal shelter’s address listed in the report. The witness believed it to be correct but stated he did not need to go to the facility. The defense concluded, and the witness was released.
The next witness was called to the stand, sworn in, and testified. After D.A. Hammond’s questioning, Nicholas Abernathy of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office stated he has been in law enforcement for 24 years, all with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Abernathy testified that he was assigned to the investigations unit when the Westmoreland case was being investigated. Sgt. Abernathy also testified that he interviewed three witnesses. One witness was interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office, the second at the witness’s residence, and the third at their place of business (a restaurant). Sgt. Abernathy also testified that the third witness provided text message exchanges between the witness and another party containing information directly related to the case. D.A. Hammond completed her line of questioning and turned the witness over to Defense Attorney Jackson. Jackson asked a series of questions regarding Sgt. Abernathy’s experience with animal abuse cases. Sgt. Abernathy testified that he has previously investigated animal abuse cases, including those involving animal shelters and euthanasia facilities. The defense concluded, and the witness was released.
The court released the jury and adjourned for the day. The trial is scheduled to resume tomorrow, April 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
