The Billy Crowder Case

Disgusted wrote:

Well anyone that thinks that Billy should have been sentenced to life for armed robbery have definately without a doubt bumped your heads somewhere. If you were in his shoes I'm just curious as to how you would have reacted. The Sheriff lied when he stated that he didn't even know Thurman. Well do you make it a habbit going to stranger's funerals and acting as a paul bearer?? I don't think so.. So what makes you think that he wouldn't lie about knowing about the abuse?? I was abused for 6 yrs by my first husband and I tried and tried to make reports to no avail.. it's all in who you know.. I truly hope with all my heart that Billy is out of jail and living a happy FREE life FINALLY!!!!!!!!

Correct me if I am wrong, but he was sentenced to life because that is per the penal code for Georgia. I was busy at the time when something like that was stated but I then heard one of the jurors say they would never have found him guilty of it had they known the mandatory sentence for armed robbery. Seems ironic to me that someone can murder someone and get 25 to life but automatically get life for armed robbery. I honestly don't think he committed armed robbery. He just took the money as an after-thought. I'm glad he is out though and can move forward in his life with his wife and family.

D_Beach wrote:

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Correct me if I am wrong, but he was sentenced to life because that is per the penal code for Georgia. I was busy at the time when something like that was stated but I then heard one of the jurors say they would never have found him guilty of it had they known the mandatory sentence for armed robbery. Seems ironic to me that someone can murder someone and get 25 to life but automatically get life for armed robbery. I honestly don't think he committed armed robbery. He just took the money as an after-thought. I'm glad he is out though and can move forward in his life with his wife and family.

small world! I used to live in Jesup and now in Rockmart...

Billy was paroled. I hope the redneck grandfather is burning as he took the best years from the Kid.

Bewildered wrote:

I'm puzzled as to why anyone would say that Billy and all of the others involved were done wrong. They murdered a man in his sleep. I knew Thurman Martin and couldn't stand him, but he still was a human being. He was a mean old rascal, and I have no doubt as to him being abusive, but if it was to the extent that was claimed there would have been some physical evidence, such as broke bones. Even if he did the things he was accused of, you can't murder someone for it. Why didn't they kill him in self-defense while he was committing these acts? When vigilante justice prevails innocent people die. Not that Thurman was innocent, but he deserved better than that. The didn't get what they deserved. They should have been put to death.

I have to disagree with you on this...I have followed this case for years, as it touched my heart i.e. I too had been abused physically and mentally growing up. I never killed my abusers,but in my heart they died a million deaths. I was scared to death,and my self-esteem was so bad and beat down,that I felt hopeless and helpless, and I'm sure Billy and his sister and others who suffered at old Thurman's hands did. I have news for you, the justice system is not often fair. The poor are the ones usually executed...guilty people never charged,innocent people charged,the guilty never serving a day. I think of two of the most famous and their lawyers making names for themselves: Casey Anthony...O.J.Simpson, Mary Winkler of Tennessee who killed her preacher husband, and a whole slew of others who we do not hear about...because of money, prestige or pull, etc. The corruption is always there...I think Billy and his family were victimized even further by a justice system gone awry again. Poor kids, I bet they wondered why they had to be born just to suffer so much over and over... by both that Monster Thurman and system that also failed them. I'm so glad Billy has been paroled!!! I hope he still feels there is still hope in such an unfair world. No wonder Lady Justice is often blind...or wearing a blindfold...I sometimes thinks she peeks though.
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Friend of billy wrote:

I heard that his parole is suppose to be in april... He is a family friend.

I would luv to meet him:)

To Billy and family:
I have seen your story several times on ID and hoped that you would be paroled and be able to have a life outside of the prison. I thought about you today and was very happy when I found out that you had been paroled in November. Always remember how precious freedom is and that your release has given you a second chance at the life you deserve. "Keep your nose clean" and before you do anything right or wrong, do like a good carpenter does and "measure twice and cut once". This practice will help you from making mistakes in all that you endeavor. Good luck and God Bless you and your family. 70 year old grandmother of 3.

Fred wrote:

Billy was paroled. I hope the redneck grandfather is burning as he took the best years from the Kid.

As a teacher who often hears sad stories of horrific abuse I just wanted to say one thing...I disagree with one thing from the comment above...I do not think the grandfather "took the best years" from Billy. I feel it is the total opposite. Billy is in his mid-thirties and has the best years of his life to look forward to. Life will not be easy because it never is, but it will be worth it!
Good luck Billy and God Bless! Your story touched my heart like many of us and I am praying for you and your family.

Friend of billy wrote:

I heard that his parole is suppose to be in april... He is a family friend.

Do you know if Billy has been paroled?

Kathleen wrote:

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Do you know if Billy has been paroled?

They say he was paroled

Billy,never met you ,probably not get the honor, but wish You the absolute best and happiness lol buddy

Bewildered wrote:

I'm puzzled as to why anyone would say that Billy and all of the others involved were done wrong. They murdered a man in his sleep. I knew Thurman Martin and couldn't stand him, but he still was a human being. He was a mean old rascal, and I have no doubt as to him being abusive, but if it was to the extent that was claimed there would have been some physical evidence, such as broke bones. Even if he did the things he was accused of, you can't murder someone for it. Why didn't they kill him in self-defense while he was committing these acts? When vigilante justice prevails innocent people die. Not that Thurman was innocent, but he deserved better than that. The didn't get what they deserved. They should have been put to death.

people think he was done wrong cause they reported the abuse to the authorities and the authorities did nothing.

we too were abused in a very dysfunctional family with a crazy preacher matriarch; to this day my dad, the primary abuser apart from her, thinks she was a holy woman. my sister too. the rest of us let go of them and moved on with our lives thankfully. a few years ago my sister was in the papers because her husband about killed their son (one baby had already died). it was creepy to witness my dad and sister process their more recent abusive dynamics; I was thankful to be away from it. i understand what it is like to be petrified of my dad; I was 20 when i had the nerve to stand up to him but only on the phone. i couldn't sleep for weeks due to the fear; fortunately I lived in a university town who supported me and not back in the small town mid-west where i grew up. although the PTSD, social paranoia and, sometimes, neurological impairments are still with me, the nightmares, fear and isolation have subsided. i find ways to stop the abuse cycle in my family; it is so nice to be away from it for 20 years now. i love the freedom; i hope this family enjoys their freedom and peace away from the patriarch. best to you all

Glad to see was released. Where is he at now?

For the record, the sheriff in this case, Cecil Nobles, passed away a few years ago.

Robyn from california... I just saw the story on Billy and would like to hear the out come of his parole also? Is Billy Crowder out a free man or did the justice system fail him again?

The old jerk pervert paid the price. I am sooo thankful Billy is free. You have no idea what you would do if in that situation and moment. Be glad for that. Those abused children, now adults LIVE with the damages that old pervert did. Even if he's dead. Amen to Billy, his sister and their family to heal. As for the south... Still has evil more throught out it than good. I call it Americas cancer... I'll stay north.

Our justice system is so scary, unless there's DNA, makes ya nervous the witch hunt that can take place.

He NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN LOCKED UP!
Shame on those that did this to him!

Just finished watchin his story again on American Justice. Feel same as I did the first time, he got the rawest deal iimaginabl!!!! For all he endured in his young llif@ the hands of that creature of a grandfather, then to lock him up for getting sick and tired of being sick and tired of ALL the abuse, that was criminal!!!!!!!! Anyway, I sincerely hope you're able to live a Good and Happy life, Billy. If anyone deserves it, I believe YOU do. GOD BLESS

So happy for you and your family, GOD bless you all!
Stay strong:-)