Phenix City man arrested for assaulting 95-year-old mother; previous elder abuse case confirmed
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Phenix City man after his 95-year-old mother was found with visible injuries, including two black eyes, during a patrol encounter earlier this week.
According to authorities, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on November 23, 2025, a citizen contacted a deputy in the 9000 block of Lee Road 240 in the Phenix City area, reporting that his brother had assaulted their mother.
Inside the caller’s vehicle was the 95-year-old victim, who had multiple injuries, including bruising around both eyes and Band-Aids on her arms and legs. When questioned, she told deputies that her other son struck her and that it was not the first occurrence. The assault is believed to have taken place at her home in the 100 block of Lee Road 498.
Following an investigation, deputies arrested 70-year-old John Earl Black of Phenix City on November 25, 2025, for Assault–Elderly Abuse in the 2nd Degree. He was transported to the Lee County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $30,000 bond.
Investigators also confirmed that Black had previously been arrested in April 2022 for the same charge, with his mother listed as the victim in that case as well. Court documents show he pled guilty in January 2025 and received a two-year probation sentence.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information to contact them at 334-749-5651 or reach Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Related stories
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
Crime & SafetyMISSING PERSON: Chambers County Sheriff’s Office searching for 35-year-old woman
Crime & Safety68-year-old Alabama murder suspect arrested after struggle with Perry County sheriff
LocalBREAKING: Fire engulfs office building at Phenix City apartment complex
Crime & SafetyBREAKING: 16-year-old identified as victim in fatal Troup County shooting; suspect arrested