June 8—A Decatur man initially held without bond after being arrested and charged with first-degree domestic violence was granted bond by a Morgan County judge during an Aniah’s Law hearing Friday.
Christopher Key, 33, was arrested Thursday by Decatur police in connection with an incident last month.
According to a detective’s affidavit, Decatur police responded to a home in the 1700 block of 14th Avenue Southeast on May 2 and spoke with a victim who was in a romantic relationship with Key. The victim explained to police that she and Key had gotten into an argument when he dropped her off at her home, and she then told him to leave.
“The victim stated that after entering her home, she locked the door and heard loud bangs,” the statement said. “The victim said she went into her kitchen and grabbed a knife. Christopher broke down the victim’s front door and entered the home. The victim stated that Christopher hit her face with his hand, and she hit Christopher with the knife. “
According to the affidavit, the left side of the victim’s face appeared swollen when she spoke to police.
Domestic violence in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor and one of the many serious crimes covered by Aniah’s Law. Aniah’s Law, passed in 2022, requires suspects charged with such a crime to be held without bail pending a hearing.
Key appeared in District Judge Brent Craig’s otherwise empty courtroom Friday morning, along with his court-appointed attorney Phoenix Iverson. Assistant District Attorney Courtney Schellack appeared on behalf of the state.
The chained Key, who stood six feet tall, towered over all the others. Schellack informed the judge that the prosecutor and defendant had reached an agreement.
“We have agreed to a $50,000 bond in this case,” she said, “with special conditions for enrollment in Community Corrections and no contact with the victim.”
Craig asked if the restraining order should include the victim’s workplace before Schellack responded that Key and the victim work at the same place. Consequently, Key was not instructed to avoid the location.
“I’m sure he called her from the jail cell quite a few times yesterday, like 20 times,” Schellack said.
Craig, who said he will not hear the case after the hearing, then spoke candidly with Key. He said women don’t find this kind of behavior attractive.
“It has been my experience that that kind of contact is not productive,” he said. “It is my sincere hope that (the victim) will remain safe and this was a fluke for you.”
Alabama court records show Key has no other criminal history. He seemed contrite as the judge addressed him.
“As Jesus said, go and sin no more,” Craig said.
Records show Key remained in the Morgan County Jail Friday afternoon.
– david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
