Man sentenced in ‘stand your ground’ case

Published 12:04 am Wednesday, November 8, 2017

The Atmore man convicted of murdering his brother was sentenced to 25 years in prison during a sentencing hearing on Nov. 1.

District Judge David Jordan handed down the sentence for James “Jamie” Hamilton Scott in the afternoon hearing at the Escambia County Courthouse in Brewton.

Scott was indicted in August 2015 for the reckless murder of his brother, Tony Tolin Scott, with a small caliber rife.

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According to Advance archives, the incident occurred at Scott’s Jefferson Avenue home in McCullough in May 2015.

After the shooting, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation, and presented the evidence to a grand jury, which handed the indictment.

A jury returned a verdict of murder on Sept. 21 after a weeklong trial, which covered the first-ever “stand your ground” case in the county.

District Attorney Stephen Billy said the state is pleased with the sentence that Scott received.

Wearing a county jail issued uniform, Scott sat in the courtroom while his sister, Sonya White, was called to the stand.

White was asked a series of questions from Scott’s court-appointed attorney about the name and character of her brother.

She was asked if Scott and his brother ever had any difficulties with one another.

“It was just typical brother stuff,” she said.

White spoke about how her brother was not physically able to fight back with anyone, and how abusive Tony was to Scott.

“I warned them that something was going to happen,” she said. “I don’t blame James for what happened. I just think it’s unfair that it went so far.”

Billy asked about Scott’s drinking problem, which was established by court documents that were presented during trial. Billy said Scott had 10 driving under the influence arrests.

White maintained that her brother isn’t physical.

“We are not surprised Tony died,” she said. “We’re surprised that James did it.”

White said she believes her brother needs to be punished, but to an extent.

On closing statements at the hearing, the state reminded the court about Scott’s conduct during trial and about how he admitted committing perjury.

After Scott’s attorney gave his closing statement, Scott was asked if he’d like to make any statement.

Scott shook his head to signify a no.

Scott was also ordered to pay court costs and restitution by Jordan.