Family of Alabama pastor killed on her way to church still seeks justice 3 years later

Known to her congregation as Reverend Anderson, to friends as Lakenya, and to her mother simply as “Peachez,” the beloved pastor left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. According to her mother, Arthurine Pitts, Anderson was a dedicated, loving soul whose life was defined by a commitment to helping others and serving the Lord.

A Tragic Loss and a Stalled Legal Battle

Three years ago, on the morning of June 18, 2023, that life of service was cut short. Anderson and her 12-year-old son were traveling to the New Mt. Zion AME Church in Eufaula when their vehicle was struck in a head-on collision on a rural road in Crenshaw County.

Lucas Johnson, who is suspected of drunk driving, was charged with murder in connection to Anderson's death. He also faces a first-degree assault charge for the injuries sustained by Anderson's son during the crash. While Johnson turned himself in days after the incident, he has remained free on bond, leaving the victim's family to face the frustrations of a legal system that has yet to hold a trial.

Seeking Justice Amidst Repeated Delays

For Pitts, the path toward closure has been blocked by continuous delays. The case has been postponed multiple times, ranging from requests for expert witnesses to a change in legal counsel after Johnson’s previous attorney was appointed as a judge. 205focus.com reached out to Johnson’s current attorney, Aimee Cobb of Montgomery, for comment, but messages and calls were not returned.

“Every time we go it’s something different,” Pitts said. “It’s really hard. I’m just trying to deal with it day by day.” The emotional toll is compounded by the nature of their small community, where the family is forced to come face-to-face with Johnson—a man whose family they have historical ties to—during daily errands.

Community Rallies for Accountability

The extended community, including members from their hometown of Brantley and across southeast Alabama, has begun to organize in hopes of pushing the case forward. Supporters have hosted church events, created a scholarship fund, and utilized social media to ensure that Anderson’s name remains in the public eye. Rev. Frederick D. Sherrod, a Presiding Elder of the AME Church, emphasized that the family has endured enough, stating that Anderson deserves better than the current delays in the justice system.

While her son, Bradon, has since recovered from his injuries and is preparing for his 10th-grade year and football season, the family remains in a state of limbo. Pitts remains steadfast in her goal: “I want justice to be served. I want him to serve his time.”