The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 28 that it is investigating aggravated child abuse and sexual abuse of minors in Cropwell.
Authorities said Shelli Edwards, age 39, was arrested for aggravated child abuse after a thorough investigation. She is being held at the St. Clair County Jail in Pell City without bond while awaiting her initial court appearance in St. Clair County District Court.
A warrant was also issued for Jeffry Edwards, age 45, on a charge of first-degree rape. When the St. Clair County SWAT team attempted to serve the arrest warrant at his residence, they found him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. According to preliminary information, this occurred as SWAT team members arrived on the property.
The sheriff’s office has requested an outside investigation into the apparent suicide, which will be conducted by the Oxford Police Department with scene processing by Jacksonville State University’s Center for Applied Science Forensics Team. No deputies were injured during this incident.
Sheriff Billy J. Murray said further information will be released as it becomes available and confirmed that investigations into sexual abuse allegations are ongoing: “Our investigation into these allegations does not indicate the potential for any additional victims.” The ages of those involved range from seven to eighteen years old.