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One-On-One

Every Friday, News13’s Amy Hoyt talks with newsmakers about the most current topics around the panhandle, state and country. Elected leaders are held accountable and have the opportunity to answer the questions you want asked. Amy is one of this area’s most credible journalists and puts her experience to work for you. Here are her One on One interviews, past and present.

ahoyt@wmbb.com

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

One-on-One: Sheriff John McDaniel

“I thank God everyday,” says Jackson County Sheriff John McDaniel, “life has been good.” His faith is strong.

The 66 year old law enforcement officer clings to his christianity as he struggles to get through each day without his wife. Mellie McDaniel was shot and killed by two men in late January. They had followed Mrs. McDaniel home from the grocery store. “The signs were there, Sheriff McDaniel says, “we just didn’t see them.”

The gunman, apparently angry over a sheriff’s office investigation that he believed kept him from collecting insurance on his deceased wife, went after the sheriff’s wife on a Tuesday afternoon in January. The suspect, and an accomplice, followed her home from the store.

“She called me on the two way radio”, the sheriff said, “and I could hear the uneasiness in her voice.” “Don’t get out of the car, “ he said, then a scream. “I kept calling her on the radio, talk to me, damn it, talk to me”. No answer.

As the sheriff sped to save his wife from the unknown, Deputy Mike Altman was closer to the couple’s home. He was shot three times and killed trying to save Mrs. McDaniel.  A true hero.

Moments later, Sheriff McDaniel and two more deputies arrive on the property, only to find themselves in a gun battle with the suspects. The deputies shot and killed the suspects. The sheriff was unarmed.

Almost six months later, it is hard to talk about.  A man who dedicated his life to upholding the law and saving others, talks through his tears, about not being able to save his wife. “Hind sight is 20/20, McDaniel says, “we got complacent”.

To hear the 30 minute interview with Sheriff McDaniel, click on the icon.

One-On-One • (8) Comments • Permalink

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