Alabama man sentenced to 35 years in prison for murder

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WDEF) — A Rainsville, Alabama man pleaded guilty to murder and has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, according to District Attorney Summer Summerford.

DA Summerford announced the conviction on Wednesday, June 5.

Jason Cardwell. DA SUMMER SUMMERFORD

Jason Cardwell, 46, pleaded guilty to the murder of Ricky Wilks on June 4, the DA said. A judge sentenced Cardwell to 35 years in prison with the agreement of Wilks’ family.

They explained that Cardwell and Wilks used to work together and continued to be friends afterwards. Wilks often drove Cardwell places because he did not have a driver’s license.

On August 6, 2021, Wilks picked up Cardwell to take him to the store but never returned home.

Later that day, investigators said Wilks’ body was found near a local carwash. They said Cardwell stabbed Wilks, dragged him out of the car and into weeds near the carwash, which was close to Cardwell’s home.

DA Summerford made this statement on the conviction:

“The hard work and dedication of law enforcement made this case possible. Law enforcement did a great job in collecting witness statements and exploring every avenue for usable evidence. They did, however, face some obstacles. While the Defendant was covered in blood when he returned home, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) was unable to pull any usable DNA from the blood on the Defendant’s clothes to match it to the victim, or anyone else. Additionally, cell phone data did not provide any usable information in this case. This case is a good example of how real-world investigations and prosecutions are not like those you see on television. Real-world factors, like rain, sweat, and time, are always at play.

The victim’s family has been a tremendous help to the investigation and prosecution of this case. I appreciate their participation and constant communication,” continued Summerford. “Please continue to keep the victim’s family in your prayers. They lost a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.”

Authorities did not state a motive behind the murder.