Montgomery, AL (February 24, 2024): Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Johnny Hardwick is in critical condition after allegedly being shot by his son, Khalfani A. Hardwick, 36, on Saturday afternoon. The shooting occurred following a domestic dispute at the judge’s residence.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call about a domestic incident at Judge Hardwick’s residence around 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, they found the judge suffering from gunshot wounds and assault injuries inflicted by his son.
The younger Hardwick fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after on U.S. Highway 231. He has been charged with first-degree domestic violence and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
This is not Khalfani Hardwick’s first encounter with the legal system. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault after shooting a family friend in the head. He served no prison time for that offense.
Judge Hardwick is a highly respected figure in the Alabama legal community. He has held positions in federal, state, and local government before his appointment to the circuit court in 2001. Just last August, he was named president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges.
The motive for the shooting and the judge’s current medical status are unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Please note: This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
