BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS OWNER
Investigators in Prattville, across Alabama and Georgia continue to investigate crimes that could be associated with Michael Jerome Butler. He currently is in Autauga Metro Jail with no bond on multiple local charges including rape, kidnapping and robbery. As of yesterday, Butler has been charged in the murder of a woman in St. Clair County in Alabama.
It is possible that investigators from different agencies outside of Prattville will have more charges against the suspect that are unrelated to what happened locally.
There is still quite a bit of details regarding those cases that are not public, nor should they be. The suspect is in custody in Autauga County, without bond.
When Prattville investigators first learned of the reported incidents locally, Butler had left the immediate area, but that did not stop them from tracking down crucial information. An alert was sent out to law enforcement across the state.
I want to thank the young women who were involved in the Autauga County case. They may be referred to as victims, but they are so much more than that. These young ladies have shown a strength and determination that is nothing short of amazing. I have spoken with many officials who say without these young ladies keeping their wits about them, taking note of details and locations where they were reportedly taken, it is possible that Butler would still be on the run.
The work that has been put into these now multiple investigations is staggering. It has taken all of these organizations working together as one team to locate evidence, that could be used in future charges.
There were some questions from readers about the timing of when officials released information and the identity of the suspect before he was captured. Please understand that in the era of social media, investigators have to tread carefully. It took time for it to become clear that Butler was the suspect they sought.
This is not an hour-long crime show where everything is tied up in a neat little bow.
This case has been a tough one, even for seasoned law enforcement officers. As one told me, “I met evil today.”
The officers involved with this investigation have spent untold hours tracking down information, and potentially other victims, across Butler’s alleged Crime Spree area. There are still investigations happening right now. If other charges come from incidents involving Butler, even outside of our area, we will either share other media reports or report them on our own.
When I first began hearing of the events that happened in Prattville, I contacted the Prattville Police Department. I was truly hoping what I was being told was inaccurate or exaggerated. It was not. It was far worse than I could have imagined.
By that point investigators believed they had a potential location for Butler, but they did not want too much information out, as they believed he was watching social media.
Through their intense investigation, they had a tag number for the vehicle they believed he was using. Through technology they were able to document where he was traveling and that is when the communication between agencies played a pivotal role.
When a high-speed pursuit began in north Alabama, and Butler reportedly wrecked the vehicle, he then fled on foot according to reports. He was captured, and evidence gained from the vehicle helped lead authorities to a murder in St. Clair County, as well as other potential crimes that we are unable to release details of at this time.
But this story is not over.
I thank the Prattville Police Department for their dogged determination in this case, and their communication with other agencies. It took a huge effort from all involved, and that effort continues.
Evil does exist and by all accounts it visited our part of the world during this crime spree. I am so incredibly thankful that on the opposite side of evil, we have people who will stare it down, hunt it down, and find the answers and evidence. I am so thankful that these young women had the strength to survive, and work with officers.
Keep the heroes in this story in mind, and their families. May justice be swift.
