CULLMAN, Ala. – Chandler Reece Knowles, 32, of Bremen, this week was sentenced to 30 years in prison for manslaughter in the March 26, 2021, beating death of Ronnie Lynn Patrick, 63, or Garden City.
Following the incident in 2021, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office said, “Deputies responded to in the Garden City community after receiving reports of a possible assault. Working in conjunction with the local fire department and EMS, it said, deputies were able to locate the victim, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.”
Unfortunately, Patrick died the next day.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced the sentencing on social media on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, posting, in part, “This was a senseless crime. Mr. Patrick was outside his home in Garden City when he was attacked which caused his death the next day. Mr. Patrick was loved by many people. My staff and I were honored to stand with his family in court today for this sentencing. Mr. Knowles accepted responsibility and apologized to the family in court.”
Knowles was initially charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, first-degree robbery, second-degree assault and first-degree elder abuse. After Patrick succumbed to his injuries, Knowles was charged with felony murder.
According to court records, Knowles pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, a Class B felony.
Cullman County Circuit Court Judge Emily Niezer Johnston presided over the sentencing hearing. A Class B felony carries a sentence of 10-99 years if a defendant has a prior felony conviction, which Knowles has. Johnston sentenced Knowles to 30 years.
