Russell County jury convicts Phenix City man in 2022 murder case
A Russell County jury on Monday, April 14, 2026, found Praather Hiley guilty of the murder of Derante Person in connection with a 2022 deadly shooting in Phenix City.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Hiley was also charged with the attempted murders of Garrick Lewis and Justen Johnson. In those counts, the jury returned verdicts on the lesser included offense of menacing.
Prosecutors said the charges stemmed from an incident on June 2, 2022, when Hiley shot Person twice in the back after Person arrived at the mother’s apartment to pick up his child. Authorities said Hiley then fled the scene and fired shots at Lewis and Johnson.
The case was investigated by Investigator Deon San Nicholas and the Phenix City Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Rick Chancey and Melissa Thomas.
Sentencing will be held before James P. Graham III at a later date.
Related stories
LocalBREAKING: Fire engulfs office building at Phenix City apartment complex
LocalTwin City FOP Lodge #21 kicks off 58th Annual Toy Drive to help Lee County families
LocalNine acres burn in brush fire in Russell County’s Dixie community
LocalUPDATE: Phenix City man, 69, dies in apparent accidental drowning near 13th Street Bridge
LocalRussell County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley announces retirement