Alabama judge shot in the face and stabbed multiple times; son identified as suspect

https://people.com/alabama-judge-shot-face-stabbed-multiple-times-son-suspect-8601179?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_content=new&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_term=65de4c634b4dbc00011ae727

An Alabama judge is hospitalized after a violent altercation involving gunshot and stab wounds, with his son identified as the primary suspect.

Judge Johnny Hardwick was rushed to the hospital in serious condition on Saturday, according to NBC News. Police allege that a dispute between Judge Hardwick and his son, Khalfani Hardwick, 36, escalated into violence.

Court documents obtained by AL.com and WSFA on Monday detail the allegations, accusing Khalfani of stabbing his father multiple times in the face and neck and also shooting him in the face before fleeing the scene.

Khalfani was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree domestic violence and illegal possession of a firearm, as reported by AL.com. Meanwhile, Judge Hardwick remains hospitalized in serious condition as of Tuesday.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office disclosed to NBC News that deputies responded to the judge’s residence around 1 p.m. after receiving reports of a domestic incident.

“Upon arrival, deputies learned that Judge Hardwick had been assaulted, shot, and seriously injured by his son,” police alleged in a statement, per the outlet.

Authorities claim that after Khalfani fled the scene, he was eventually located on U.S. Highway 231 and taken into custody. He is currently held at the Montgomery County Detention Center without bond.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment. It’s unclear whether Khalfani has entered a plea or retained legal representation.