DOTHAN, Ala. — The family of Hardy Gray, a man from Pansey who was tragically murdered in his home, has expressed deep frustration and confusion with the justice system following the arrest of one of the suspects in his death. Tyshawn Ford, one of the individuals accused in Gray’s capital murder, was arrested this week for an alleged shooting while out on bond for the murder charge.
Ford was apprehended on Tuesday after being caught on camera shooting into Martin Homes Apartments on Tuskegee Avenue. Police charged him with shooting into an occupied building, first-degree assault, third-degree domestic violence, and attempting to elude authorities.
The arrest has raised serious questions for Gray’s family, especially his brother, Billy Gray, who has been vocal about his concerns. “For these six people, and one of them to be out on capital murder and do it again… I just don’t understand our system,” said Billy Gray. He expressed disbelief that someone facing such serious charges would be granted bond, only to allegedly commit another violent act.
District Attorney Russ Goodman confirmed that Ford’s bond was set by the former district attorney’s office, though it remains unclear why such a decision was made. The arrest has only added to the family’s anguish. Billy Gray reflected on the potential dangers that could have occurred if someone had been hurt during Ford’s alleged shooting. “What if it was a small child in there? What if they got hit with a stray bullet? It could’ve been worse,” he said.
Hardy Gray was found dead in his Pansey home in late 2021, the victim of a brutal murder with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Ford, along with six other individuals, went to Gray’s house under the pretense of performing a sexual favor but ended up killing him. Gray was discovered lying facedown in his kitchen, fully clothed and with 5-6 gunshot wounds.
Billy Gray has spent the last three years attending multiple court proceedings for the six suspects involved, but so far, no significant progress has been made. “Being arrested on ‘Law and Order,’ the next scene they’re in court. But in real life, it’s like three years later. It’s just one thing after another. The process has to be done right so these thugs can pay for what they did to my brother. They all need to be in jail,” said Billy.
The emotional toll on the family has been immense, with Hardy Gray’s loved ones continuing to mourn his untimely death. Billy described his brother as an avid fisherman, hunter, and drag racer who was “well-liked, well-loved.” “There are so many things he could be a part of right now, but his life was taken in a senseless way,” he said.
For Hardy Gray’s family, the road to justice feels painfully slow, with the legal system’s delays compounding their grief. As they await resolution, they hope the justice system will ultimately deliver accountability for the tragic loss of their loved one.
