CULLMAN, Ala. – A Cullman County jury on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, found John Wesley Drozda, 38, of Cullman, guilty of murder for the Sept. 17, 2023, shooting death of Thomas James Brannon, 37, also of Cullman.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said the verdict came after a four-day trial.
“I would first thank the jury for their service in hearing this case,” he said. “We are also grateful to the Cullman Police Department, who responded to the scene within two minutes of this shooting and worked tirelessly to investigate this crime, retrieve the murder weapon and track down Mr. Drozda after he skipped town. Drozda will now face the consequences for his decision to murder Thomas Brannon. It was a privilege to get justice for Mr. Brannon and also his family, who joined us at the trial.”
The shooting happened at approximately 10:55 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, near the 200 block of Hickory Avenue Southwest in the city of Cullman. Drozda fled the scene, and was later apprehended at the Red Roof Inn in Hartselle.
On Thursday, Crocker said Cullman County Circuit Judge Emily Johnston presided over Drozda’s case. He said Drozda was represented by attorneys Michael Thornton and Tommy Drake. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1, at 1:15 pm.
