WARNING: GRAPHIC & VIOLENT PHOTOS POSTED BELOW
Sheldon Alston, Jr. is a free man but his ex-girlfriend will probably never be free of the beating she suffered at his hands four years ago. JJ covered every sordid detail of this case, from a young man's vicious assault on his girlfriend at Ole Miss to the sweet deal given to him by District Attorney Ben Creekmore. However, it is time for the world to see what happened to the young woman that brutal fall night in Oxford. Posted below are the photos taken of Alston's girlfriend a few hours after the attack.
Alston beat, choked, and kidnapped his girlfriend in 2016. A grand jury indicted him in 2017. The case was repeatedly continued until a petition to enter a guilty
plea was submitted to the court in June 2019. Neither the petition nor a notice of a hearing to hear the plea was placed in the public court file until after Alston was sentenced. The hearing was held in juuuust slightly off the beaten bath over in New Albany instead of Oxford. The judge denied all camera coverage requests.
Assistant District Attorney Julie Howell recommended dropping the kidnapping charge and asked Judge Luther to sentence Alston to serve 15 years in prison but suspend 12 years of the sentence. The Judge agreed to the deal and allowed Alston to go free that day and report to prison two weeks later. Under state law, Alston was released last week after serving 50% of his sentence.
The pictures are posted with the victim's consent. Each picture shows the savagery a young woman suffered at the hands of her boyfriend. A boyfriend who should have protected her instead of beating her. Swollen shut her eyes may be, but nothing can erase the sight of his blows raining down upon her. Violent red marks cover her neck, showing the fury of his assault as he tried to choke the life out of her. Shredded lips exude blood where words of affection for Sheldon undoubtedly once flowed. Blood remained in her eyes for a month, yet another crimson reminder.
Wounds to the body heal but those to the soul almost never go away. One can't begin to imagine the tidal wave of trauma overwhelming her as she lay in the hospital, questioning everything about her existence. Betrayal, pain, shame, and eventually rage coursed through her veins. One picture shows the face of innocence lost, taken away from a woman in the flower of her youth.
The victim wanted these pictures posted so other women could see what she suffered. She said it might save another Ally (Kostial) alive. Cases are prosecuted, excuses are made, and young women still suffer in Oxford. Here are the pictures. Readers have been warned.
**Pictures may not be reprinted without permission of JJ**
These are not just pictures of a victim but are also a picture of the evil that is Sheldon Alston, Jr.'s soul. The victim impact statement says it all as she writes with acid. Alston's attack is described:
He beat my back with his left hand a few times and I released my jaw. He was bleeding. He pushed me on the ground, sat on top of my body, and strangled me. He hit my face back and forth....
He shut the door and slammed me against the wall. He strangled me on the ground again. I tried to beat his elbows and squeeze his wrists off of me. He released his grip voluntarily then strangled me again. He pinched my nose with one hand while strangling me with the other. It was even more disheartening to scream and hear nothing. I thought he was going to kill me. I tried to make noise by beating my arm on the carpeted floor. He stopped strangling me and he hit my face several times. I tried to be quiet because I did not want him to silence me by strangulation again. Suddenly he stopped his attack and left the room....
The victim did something real smart when she got free of Sheldon. She went to the hospital. It sounds so simple but it is amazing how many domestic violence victims don't do this as their brains are clouded by a fog of trauma. Shame stops other victims. She wrote:
I regret not telling the police more. I did not want them to take pictures of me, but finally allowed. I probably would have allowed more pictures to be taken had there been a female nurse in the room and not just the detective. The only photos I allowed were taken when there were many people in the room. They questioned me, let me call my parents, and brought me food. It was difficult to eat because I could not move my teeth apart but half an inch. When the Doctor called my mother, he told her it was one of the worst cases of domestic violence he had ever seen.
I told the police I did not want Ole Miss Title IX to come talk to me. Thankfully, someone from Ole Miss Title IX did come to the hospital. Because I lived at the sorority house at the time, I did not want to go there looking so beaten and strangled. Ole Miss gave me a nice dorm to stay in while I healed.
The statement tells the story of what took place afterwards as the young woman recovered, facing challenges she couldn't not have imagined just a few days earlier. There was an inability to trust the police. Days of tears. Frustrating attempts to get justice.
Her frustration continued. "I felt as if all the lawyers in Mississippi were ganging up on me to protect Sheldon and do a favor to his extended family of legal experts" said the victim, describing her own lawyer who advised her to sell out her justice. She said the family of her abuser seemed to be more concerned with young Sheldon's ability to go to law school one day instead of her beating. Must preserve the ole family heritage at all costs. The statement is a story that should be read, as it represents too many women in the Magnolia State.
Earlier posts
Sheldon comes home for Christmas.
The abuse of Sheldon Alston, Jr.
Sheldon Alston, Jr. pleads guilty.
Alston case continues to get continued.
Sheldon Alston, Jr. indicted for strangling & kidnapping girlfriend.
Kingfish note: Several readers made these comments. How well have they aged?
If the beating was half as bad as written she’d be dead. He is a loser and he paid and is paying the price. This blog is cancerous.
Who fucking cares. If she was credible and worth a damn then her male relatives would’ve served this dude justice long ago.
Kingfish falls prey to the 'let's shit on Mississippi' gang with this piece. This is nothing uncommon across the country from coast to coast and border to border, yet it's made to sound like it's peculiar to this state with such crap as 'Mississippi Country Club'. Sounds like KF sat in on a Saulter 101 class conducted by Bill Minor or Jerry Mitchell, Let's Bash The Shit Out Of Mississippi.
This isn’t the whole story. Classic JJ, though. I know Sheldon deeply. This is not an accurate assessment of his character. I’ll leave it at that.
"A bloody pulp"? The pictures show she has a black eye and a mark on her neck. The article is liable. The kidnapping charge was dropped because she wasn't kidnapped. This article isn't reporting; it's muck-raking and mean spirited
62 comments:
This makes me sad and angry. I have a daughter. Sheldon thought is was okay because he thought he owned her. He thought he was entitled to her. He thought she was his property. The entitlement mentality runs in the family.
I don't know this young lady. Maybe Sheldon will say she was a terrible girlfriend (break up with her if so). Maybe Sheldon will say she was a little crazy (tell her to leave you alone). Maybe Sheldon will say she was a lot crazy (get a restraining order). BUT THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO BEAT HER!
So sad. I can't imagine seeing my daughter looking like that. I also can't imagine seeing my son's girlfriend looking like that, after my son was the one who inflicted the punishment, then me acting like Sheldon's father. Unconscionable.
I give Kingfish kudos. He is reporting what needs to be told. He is doing it properly. He is warning those who don't want to see it.
Wow. Pictures don't lie. Shameful.
Now the real question is... What did she do to deserve it?
I refuse to look at photos like these, which I can only imagine as far as gruesomeness goes.
This was a brutal assault and a felony crime. But those marks will heal. The marks that cut more deeply are far worse. For that, if I had the power, he'd been in prison for a full 20. Bravo for her courage in coming forward. Shame on the thug and his family.
If that were my daughter ol' Sheldon would be begging to stay in jail... cause if he got out I would kill his ass!
Kidnapping, especially of a female, should be a capital crime punishable by death. Then, that would be the end of it and we would all feel better.
You white knight internet toughguys are hilarious. You would’ve got your ass beat too!
Will anyone be surprised to see his name on the pardon list at some point? Connected family like that can make it real easy for Tater once he's out of office.
Karma is one hell of a bitch, this shigity will come back to bite him in his ass one day! If not him someone real close, it always does! Don’t feel sorry for the family they created this mess(Sheldon).
Won't happen.
This is bigger than one individual, the reputation of an institution is also involved. Ole Miss must reinforce it's image as a haven for the rich, influential patrons of high society in Mississippi. Can't you see that?
Hell, if they go prosecuting guys like this for horseplay, before you know it, they'll be just another "state college". Yikes!!!
Kingfish is the most courageous reporter and publisher in Mississippi, bar none!
Good for you for posting this. What a scumbag
Uncalled for an Domestic Violence to your partner. Prayers for JJ and other victims. Every time of year of a story like this I think of the young lady Shelby. Her boyfriend ran over her repeatedly to beyond recognition on Hwy 61 in Bolivar county. Google Shelby Harmon and read the story or search fb for Justice for Shelby - www.facebook.com/Shelbys-Voice-In-Memory-of-Shelby-Harmon-353551861505562/
that’s what money and influence can do.. live above the law.
honestly i’m surprised he got any time..
Should have been in the court room. Judge acted as if he were his grandfather. Didn't chew him out, used a soft, fatherly tone. Gave him a couple of weeks to report to prison.
I've seen plenty of judges, including hinds county, just light into defendants at sentencing. Not here and yes, the judge said he saw the pictures.
Looking at the status of her civil suit online, it appears that her attorneys withdrew from representing her about a year ago. The case has been dead in the water since then. Reckon what the story is on that?
Thank you to the young lady for reporting and just know everyone is praying for you! Thank you King Fish for sharing!
I would love to give Sheldon Alston, Jr. a beating.
He n his family prove you jussst can't buy class.
@ 12:09, Dear Kingfish,
Judge Luther is naturally soft-spoken and understated. He didn't "give" the kid time to report. It would have been part of the deal.
If you want to blame an official, blame Mr. Creekmore, who is the very apotheosis of Mississippi slimeball child of privilege with lots of power, zero morals, and little in the way of brains or courage. There are plenty of horror stories in the Third Circuit District. Few of them can be fairly laid off on judges, who do, pretty much, what the lawyers agree to. When the judges start deviating from plea bargains, that's the end of guilty pleas, now isn't it. In which instance the Lafayette County criminal docket would be 5,000 cases with no hope of ever trying them, instead of 500 (with no hope of ever trying them).
In a sane world, young Mr. Alston would have been horsewhipped in the street like the animal he is. Our system does not permit that sort of "justice."
I guess this is the cancel culture everyone complains about or does that only count for racists?
11:35 - Yes, but Millsaps let this ass wipe enroll after Ole Miss threw him out. Has their dwindling enrollment left them so hard up for tuition money that they allowed him to be a part of their campus, students, and faculty?
SOB needs to be turned loose in South Jackson about 2:30 A.M.
White Snowflake speaking here ....
KF: Has the victim sued her convicted-felon-assailant yet? What course of action can she take civilly now against him?
"If that were my daughter ol' Sheldon would be begging to stay in jail." If it were my daughter, his picture would be on milk cartons.
Attn 1:52. If the victim has not sued, you can bet there has already been some compensation.
I remember the post by the doubting-clown, on the other thread. He said if she was beaten half as badly as reported, she'd be dead. Maybe he'll see the photos.
10:59AM -- Surely you are kidding? If not, please give me one example of something that this girl could have done to deserve this? Just one...if you believe you have more than one then by all means do share...
Hopefully this is just a poor use of sarcasm, but judging by some of the comments idk.
@2:31 Around Jackson, the father of young Sheldon Alston (attorney Sheldon Alston) was telling folks that this was blown out of proportion and that "she only had a few minor scratches."
I know Sheldon's parents and both sets of grandparents and other family members. I will not pile on with criticism for the Alston & Phillips clans.
But, I can wholeheartedly support a victim of physical abuse. The photographs make me cringe.
This young lady was hurt badly. May she find peace and support.
A sad heart
At the time Sheldon enrolled at Millsaps, the college had no inkling of his arrest and pending indictment. The story was not covered by the media in either Oxford or Jackson. Nor did the registrar's office at Ole Miss advise the college of this incident when they forwarded his transcript.
St. Andrews knew there was a problem and covered it up.
As I have been saying...there are close to 200 families that “run” this state. It’s time for them to relinquish their grip. Of course, some are good, some are bad. I think this family has way too much power and it’s time for them to be knocked down many notches. The poor girl needs to sue their miserable asses for everything they have. Problem is, the Alstons have clout and that type of power that allows them to be above the law needs to be unveiled. I have daughters and let me say this, if anyone ever laid a hand on them it would be a trip to Parchman for me. And I’m ok with that.
He will do something like this again.
Violent people generally never learn their lesson.
He is very lucky to still be alive. I know that Father had to dig deep not to kill him. Don't know if I could have been as strong
" it appears that her attorneys withdrew from representing her about a year ago "
Irrelevant.
You buried how it is he garnered release if stated at all KF. Sorry but if you don’t give pertinent information BLUF, I loose interest after 15 paragraphs.
Surely a sad story Fish, but it’s nothing new. Yes beating a woman senseless sure is a great way of showing one’s manliness. It happens every day across America. And to be sure having money in the family means bad things done by bad people often disappear. It’s not right but it still happens. It’s pretty much what everyone knows already, life is a shit sandwich and the more bread you have the less shit you have to eat. It’s not enough I’m sure but at least the guy did some time for his assault. Most assaults go unreported for fear of retribution or some sort of misguided pity the attacked have for their attacker. This moron didn’t get off scott free, he did some time and he will have to register as a domestic violence criminal. Sometimes SOME justice is better than NO justice.
If it’s possible to lose even more faith in our legal system, this quote might do the trick. Pure scum.
"I felt as if all the lawyers in Mississippi were ganging up on me to protect Sheldon and do a favor to his extended family of legal experts" said the victim
10:59, 11:14- you are either a troll or ignorant beyond all hope. His family, friends, attorneys, and people like YOU are enablers. He will likely kill a woman in years to come. If my son did this, I’d beat his ass myself. Inexcusable and sick.
As a man, I am in awe of this young lady's bravery allowing these pictures to be posted. I pray that she be safe and that some other young ladies benefit from her warning.
@7:02 pm - your comment is the best comment made on any JJ story all year. This comment should be plastered over the entrance doors to the law schools at Ole Miss, MC, every court in the state and especially every law firm in this state. I am embarrassed that 3 of my children choose this "profession".
If Sheldon, Sr. didn’t think beating was really that bad what would he consider bad other than death? He should have never been admitted to Millsaps and be charged as a felon!
Kingfish,
This is the type of exposure you don't need to let die. This POS should never be able to live this down. Thank you for keeping it alive. If this were my son, I would beat the shit out of him His parents should be ashamed for doing such a poor job of teaching him to respect the opposite sex.
Rogillio would have had young Sheldon ground up in a dog food can if he'd been the prosecutor.
@7:47 I agree. This young lady may save someone’s life. My daughter and I discussed this situation tonight. She’s 16,
@7:02 you are correct. The father is not responsible for the son’s actions. However, the father is responsible for his own actions. The fact that he hasn’t been booted from his firm over his handling of this issue speaks volumes about his fellow lawyers in the firm. The entire legal profession should be embarrassed at the shenanigans that have been attempted here. It’s despicable. These people aren’t even human.
Why? His son was over 18. If we start firing people for what their adult kids do, few of us will have jobs. He is a very good lawyer and has an ethical reputation in the legal community. I've covered his cases on this website. Does a good job for his clients.
Not the first guy to have a weakness for his kids. As saintly as was Marcus Aurelius, his love for his son destroyed the Roman Empire.
In my opinion, the other members of the firm should have sat down with the father and explained that tampering would not be allowed. They should have explained that while the young Mr. Alston is rightfully innocent until proven guilty, and certainly deserves proper legal representation and a proper defense, ANY attempt to call in legal favors, persuade judges, use influence, bully the victim, etc. would be countered with immediate and permanent removal from the firm. This would be to protect the reputation of the firm and its other attorneys. Very disapppointed in the firm's partners.
Lawyers and judges taking care of one another. Its a fact of life and will never change. Every one of them think they are above the law.
I wish someone would check the judges financials. The Alstons and Phillips should be disbarred and the judge tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail.
You would be lucky to find many attorneys to take even a slam dunk civil case especially in tort reformed North Mississippi.
We learned this first hand when a friend was left totally incapacitated after a routine outpatient surgery. No attorneys in Mississippi were willing to take the case and one attorney in Memphis wanted $55,000 up front with the understanding that we would most likely not prevail against the hospitals legal team.
Our laid in a nursing home totally paralyzed and in need of round the clock care...passed away in the Fall from Covid-19.
Atticus Finch 12/29/2020 @ 8:32 pm - don't be embarrassed by your children's choice of profession. Gauge your reactions to them by how they choose to practice the profession. If they practice like those portrayed in this situation, that is when you should be embarrassed and downright ashamed.
This is what happen on our campuses when no training occurs or the IHL system takes the cases lightly . Females have the same right to attend college and feel safe .
@8:34 - it’s unfortunate that something went wrong in the surgery of your friend, but that’s a far different case than a violent assault. Sometimes surgeries have bad outcomes even if everything was done correctly.
Thank you KF! While this story disgusts me to the core, if you weren’t brave enough to post it no one would and no one would know. One of many current stories in this disgusting “good old boy” place we call Mississippi. I know that state officials are aware of these issues and do nothing. The reference to the fall of the Roman Empire is so very on target. How sad for us.
There are so many more assaults on females in the Oxford area that do NOT get reported. I would be very apprehensive to send a daughter to school at Ole Miss.
Ole Miss is a breeding ground for this stuff. Privileged silky boys who think they can have anything they want because mommy and daddy raised them that way. I know a therapist who has seen many girls that were victims of rape there and found little justice. Raise your boys right!
Thanks KF for keeping the story alive and doing what so called "journalists" won't do. Will donate again this coming year to your site.
KF, you owe your followers a status report on the civil litigation. This young man should stand before a jury and hear the wrath of good men and women stated to him in economic terms. Punitive damages? Would they be erased by a bankruptcy court? There is something very misleading about the report that her civil attorneys "withdrew". Is her civil suit still alive? This is NEWS and need to be reported. A lot of folks know the Alstons and the Phillips. Because there are lawyers in these families, the remarks about them must be taken with a grain of salt.Lawyers make a lot of friendly enemies as they progress through years of practice. Remember, there is no coming in second in a lawsuit. Measure the comments about the parents carefully. Now, this boy is fair game and I do hope the civil litigation teaches this kid a real lesson and requires him to work to pay this young lady fair compensation.If the civil suit is still alive it can finally show all how Justice can be served. Remember O,J.Simpson, he has paid a price for his conduct through a civil verdict. Keep this civil suit information out there . there are other lawyers that will help this young woman seek and obtain justice.
I know some folks who aren’t lawyers, but would gladly help her get justice. It just takes someone with creativity. I want the boy to suffer.
Ivan Drago?
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