2 arrested after man, woman killed in Anniston

ANNISTON, Ala. (WBRC) - Anniston Police say a woman has died after she was found in a road over the weekend suffering from a gunshot wound.

Before she was discovered, a man’s body was found in a nearby ditch.

Around 11 a.m. on March 25, officers responded to the 3200 block of Alexandria Road and found the body of Richard Austin Ward Jr. He was 27. A cause of death has not yet been released.

A woman, identified as 55-year-old Laura Jean Thornton, was found nearby at the intersection of 33rd St. and Stevens St. suffering from a gunshot wound. Thornton was airlifted to UAB Hospital, where she passed away.

The Anniston Police Department believes these two incidents are related.

On March 27, Anniston Police arrested 42-year-old Randy Wayne King, who was charged with two counts of murder. Police also arrested 67-year-old Ronnie Lee King, who was charged with hindering prosecution.

Authorities continue to investigate. If you have any information about this case, please call the Investigative Division at 256-240-4000.

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