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UPDATE Deputies: Suspect Admitted to Pope County Killing

By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: May 22, 2012
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A murder suspect admitted to deputies he pulled the trigger, all because he believed the murder victim had molested his five-year-old daughter.

Andrew James Cody appeared before a judge for the first time Monday, charged with first degree murder.

Deputies say he told them he waited for 65 year-old Lee Britton in Britton's home off Shadow Lane in London in Pope County and then shot him once in the head.

Cody's supporters believe his actions were justified.

"He did me a favor, my little girl could have been the next victim," said Heather Shrives-Dornan.

Before a judge, a deputy recounted his interview with Cody just hours after the murder.

"He stated he went into the residence to confront Mr. Britton about molesting his daughter," said deputy Sgt. Stephen Pack.

Pope County Sheriff Aaron Duvall confirmed to KARK, Thursday they received allegations Lee Britton sexually abused a child.

But deputies say Friday, Cody put trash bags over his shoes to conceal evidence and put one shot into Britton's head.

"There's nothing I can say," Cody said in court, regarding his bond.

He was handed a half million dollar bond.

But outside the courtroom, his supporters were very vocal, saying they don't blame Cody one bit.

"I wish more daddies would stand up for their children like this, they should," said supporter Tara Laffoon.

Supporters of Lee Britton declined an on-camera interview, but soon, began a shouting match, calling out to Cody's supporters to prove the allegations of sexual abuse.

Deputies forced the crowd to break it up.

But people say as the case proceeds in court, they'll be back.

"This is what daddies have to do," Laffoon said.

While Cody's wife was originally arrested for being an accomplice to murder, the prosecutor says he won't be pursuing charges on her for now.

As of 4:00 p.m. Monday, Cody had not yet posted bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July.

Comments

Lynn G. he did contact the authorities, and he is a non registered level 3 [censored] offender. just because the case happened in the 70s does not erase what he did to a 7yr old girl back then. people that molest children are sick in the head...im not saying that what Andrew did was right, but he did something when the authorities didnt. he was thinking with the mind of a father...you cant say that if your child was molested that the same thought wouldnt atleast cross your mind. i dont think he should get life or the death penalty..theres a lil girl who needs her dad because its obvious that the mom didnt do a thing about it when her boyfriend was molesting her daughter..she didnt even contact the police or kick him out. this poor lil girl has to live with all this her whole life and i think she needs someone who is going to protect her!!!

Mandee C. May 30, 2012 at 10:26 am



This person should have no bail. What if he decides to kill again? The thing is, he killed on the basis of a mere accusation. Hell, how do we know he is not making it up to cover up his murderous rampage? He has proven himself a threat to society. So all I have to do to get rid of people I don't like is to make a claim he/she molested my kid? That is a disturbing precedent. Murder is murder, hope he gets a life sentence.

oncefallendotcom o. May 24, 2012 at 10:07 am



Stephanie, you should not make assumptions about people! I actually AM a victim of child [censored] abuse and i'm here to tell you that it does NOT have to define a person's life and there IS hope to a better future. I chose NOT to be a victim forever... People can and do get past [censored] abuse but death is final, so no, its not worse than killing someone. Murder is murder and all this man had to do was call the authorities. [censored] crimes in this country are taken VERY seriously, and the perp would have surely gone to prison. Now, this little girl's daddy will likely go instead, as well he should, because he took another person's life! See my blog at www.lynngilmore.blogspot.com.

Lynn G. May 24, 2012 at 8:50 am



Lynn G., you obviously have never been molested so you will never understand that it is actually worse than killing someone. It's something you have to live with EVERY single day even 20 years later. It effects your mental health, physical health, relationships, parenting, out look on life. You can't imagine how broken it feels inside. THAT is NEVER acceptable. This is so often overlooked and people turn their heads. I hope this makes the next [censored] nervous the next time he touches his victims. If more people would stand up for their children their would be fewer acts of abuse. It wouldn't cure the [censored] but it might help them keep their hands, mouths, and [censored]' to themselves.

Stephanie S. May 22, 2012 at 11:22 pm



Lynn G., you obviously have never been molested so you will never understand that it is actually worse than killing someone. It's something you have to live with EVERY single days even 20 years later. It effects your mental health, physical health, relationships, parenting, out look on life. You can't imagine how broken it feels inside. THAT is NEVER acceptable. This is so often overlooked and people turn their heads. I hope this makes the next [censored] nervous the next time he touches his victims. If more people would stand up for their children their would be fewer acts or abuse. It would cure the [censored] but it might help them keep their hands, mouths, and [censored]' to themselves.

Stephanie S. May 22, 2012 at 11:19 pm



Murder is NEVER acceptable, no matter what happened.

Lynn G. May 22, 2012 at 8:06 pm



Supporter Here! Wish my dad would have had the balls you have AJ!

Kimberly H. May 22, 2012 at 3:54 pm

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