Alabama Judge ‘Seriously Injured’ in Shooting, Son Arrested

A judge is in the hospital after being seriously injured in a domestic shooting. His own son is facing charges.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was called to Judge Johnny Hardwick’s home Saturday afternoon at approximately 1 p.m. in response to a domestic incident.

Upon arrival, deputies learned that Judge Hardwick had been assaulted, shot, and seriously injured by his son, Khalfani A. Hardwick, 36, in the incident.

Investigators say after hurting his father, Khalfani left the scene. They believe he abandoned the truck he was driving on Trotman road near the rolling hills fire department off Highway 231.

Investigators say approximately 45 minutes into this case, Khalfani Hardwick was located and arrested along that same Highway.

Khalfani Hardwick has been charged with first degree domestic violence and possessing a firearm when forbidden to do so. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility without bond.

“I think that’s credit to the men and women of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office,” says Montgomery County Assistant Chief Wesley Richerson, “Sheriff Cunningham assures there’s a number of patrol units always patrolling Montgomery county. And by their nature in their professionalism, they responded accordingly exactly how they trained to do and was a great result in a very short amount of time apprehending the suspect and ensuring that there was no danger to anyone else in the public.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Johnny Hardwick during this difficult time. The entire Montgomery County Commission wishes him a full recovery,” said Chairman Doug Singleton, “We’d also like to thank the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office on their quick response.”

“Tamika and I are saddened by the news that Judge Johnny Hardwick has been shot,” Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has also commented, “He has honorably served our community on the Circuit Court for decades, helping spearhead numerous reforms to make the court system more equitable and fair. Most recently, he worked to eliminate bond requirements for more non-violent offenses. Away from the bench he was a champion for the area’s youth, one of the founders of 100 Black Men of Greater Montgomery. We are praying for his recovery.”

It is unknown what led to the incident.

No further information on this case is available at this time.

Khalfani Hardwick pled guilty to a second degree assault charge in 2014, butserved no prison time.

Judge Hardwick is an Alumnus of Alabama State University. He served in federal, state, and Montgomery city positions before being appointed to the circuit court in 2001. Hardwick was named the president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges last August.