Christopher Price, Alabama

Christopher had previously been arrested for trespassing, vehicular burglary, receiving stolen property, and criminal mischief. Growing up, Christopher had a difficult childhood. Christopher’s father was murdered when he was a young child. Following his father’s death, Christopher was verbally, physically, and, possibly, sexually abused by live-in companions of his mother.

Bill Lynn was the minister of Natural Springs Church of Christ in Alabama. He and his wife, Bessie, lived nearby, in the Bazemore community of north Fayette County. On December 22, 1991, the couple returned to their home after church service. While Bessie got ready for bed and watched television upstairs, Bill began preparing Christmas presents for his grandchildren.

The power in the house suddenly went out, however, the security lights outside remained on and the neighbors still had electricity. Bill told Bessie to call the power company, while he went outside to check the power box. When Bessie heard a noise, she looked out her window and saw a man dressed in black, holding a sword above his head in a striking position. Bill yelled for his wife to call the police, but she discovered that the phone lines had been cut.

Bessie went downstairs and grabbed a pistol before exiting the house, where she was struck on the back of the head, knocking her to the ground. She got up, fired a shot into the air and ran to help her husband. Bill was seriously injured and told his wife that he knew he was going to die. As Bessie was attempting to start their vehicle, two men dressed in black appeared on either side. They ordered her out of the van and beat her. Then they took her back into the house and demanded money and jewelry. The two men robbed the house of checks and cash in a bank deposit bag, guns, and Bessie’s jewelry, including her wedding ring.

The two men searched the house then left through the back door. Bessie ran out the front door and to her father’s house nearby, where she called for help. Bill died before reaching the hospital. Bessie was treated for her numerous injuries.

Approximately one week later, Christopher Price was arrested in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he had been visiting friends. Price admitted to participating in the crime, however he insisted that his accomplice had killed Bill and injured Bessie. Price was convicted and sentenced to death.

Please pray for peace and healing for Bessie and for the family of Bill. Please pray for strength for the family of Christopher Price.