Man pleads guilty Friday in 2018 double murder case

The first of five defendants in a 2018 double murder case pleaded guilty Friday, agreeing to serve two consecutive life sentences.

Michael Evan Council, 28, a New Jersey resident, is one of five charged in the shooting deaths of 55-year-old Hernan Antonio Padilla and and 56-year-old Allen Clifford Sandlin.

Padilla and Sandlin were found shot to death at Padilla’s home outside Carbon Hill on May 1, 2018.

An extensive investigation led to capital murder charges against Council and four other defendants.

“I’m pleased we were able to put a violent offender away for life,” said 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin. “The plea was reached after much consultation with the victim’s families. They’ve been through a lot, and I’m glad that we were able to resolve this case. I look forward to getting the remaining co-defendants’ cases to court soon.”

Cases against Lorazo Moran of New Jersey, Lindettia Lynette Lowery of Fairfield, Brandon Dewayne Lowery and Brittany Bell-Spates are still pending.