Cropwell – According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, a rape suspect fatally shot himself in the head as SWAT officers prepared to arrest him.
The death of 45-year-old Jeffry Edwards of Cropwell will be investigated by the Oxford Police Department at the sheriff’s office request. The death occurred during an investigation of the physical and sexual abuse of children aged 7 to 18.
Another suspect, 39-year-old Shelli Edwards, also of Cropwell, was taken into custody for aggravated child abuse is being housed at the St. Clair County Jail in Pell City with no bond.
A statement from the Sheriff’s Department said that deputies are looking into “concerns regarding aggravated child abuse and mistreatment of those minors.”
The statement went on to say, “The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the sexual abuse allegations. Our investigation into these allegations does not indicate the potential for any additional victims.”
bustedalabama.com 