CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Circuit Court Judge Emily Johnston on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, sentenced John Wesley Drozda, 38, of Cullman, to 90 years in prison. Drozda was convicted of murder on Aug. 21, 2025, in the Sept. 17, 2023, shooting death of Thomas James Brannon, 37, also of Cullman.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker posted to social media following the sentencing: “Circuit Judge Emily Niezer Johnston sentenced John Wesley Drozda to 90 years imprisonment for the 2023 murder of Thomas Brannon. My staff and I attended the sentencing hearing along with members of Mr. Brannon’s family. Although Tommy Brannon’s family and friends will never be able to replace him, I hope that justice being served on this killer brings some peace.”
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.
