Mobile law enforcement intensifies search for suspect after innocent grandmother killed inside her Prichard home

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - An urgent search is underway for the person responsible for killing 67-year-old Ethel Moore Thomas.

The grandmother, asleep in her bed early this morning when someone drove by her home on Sample Street and opened fire.

The senseless violence leading Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch to surge dozens of deputies into Prichard to find the killer.

“I have a special operations division with over 40 deputies who are 100% proactive,” Burch said. “We can deploy them anywhere in the county to address issues.”

Burch stressed that no one should live in fear in their own home.

“We get frequent calls from citizens of Prichard that are scared to go out in their front yard, they’re scared to go sit on their porch,” he said. “No one should have to live like that.”

As law enforcement prioritizes the safety of residents, Burch said their own well-being is also at risk.

The sheriff told FOX10 News that gang members have been making threats against deputies and even have a “point system” among the members where shooting a deputy earns them “bonus” points.

He made it clear that they will respond to any attempts to harm law enforcement.

“If you point a gun at law enforcement, especially a Mobile County deputy,” he said. “That will be the last stupid decision you make.”

We will continue to keep you updated online and on air as we receive more information.