• Tensions run high with standing-room only crowd following two-hour executive session Monday, Jan. 11

SILVERHILL, Alabama — Tensions ran high with the fate of Chief Kim Wasdin still undecided following a special-called meeting of the Silverhill Town Council Monday night, Jan. 11.

After a special meeting of the town council on Tuesday, Nov. 24, called by Mayor Tim Wilson, Town Attorney Josh Myrick agreed to draft a letter to serve to Wasdin explaining possible disciplinary action.

Among the reasons discussed at the Nov. 24 meeting were insubordination, stating that Wasdin had acted contrary to the wishes of the mayor and town council. Wilson also stated that the town had received written letters that Wasdin had acted unprofessionally while dealing with the public.

On Monday, Dec. 7, Myrick said Wasdin had expressed their desire to hold a disciplinary hearing with the town and set a date for Dec. 22. The hearing was later changed to Jan. 11 at the request of Wasdin’s attorney, Narissa Nelson.

With all council members present, Wilson called the meeting to order Monday with Mayor Pro Tem Jared Lyles immediately calling for an executive session, which included Wasdin, her attorney, Myrick and town clerk Patricia Bankester.

After nearly two hours, during which time two people were called back into the executive session, the council returned with Lyles immediately making a motion, stating the council needed time to deliberate.

When asked to repeat his motion, Lyles said simply, “I’m making a motion to adjourn,” at which time the standing-room only crowd at the Silverhill Town Hall erupted.

“That’s it. You mean we’ve wasted our time. This will not look well for the town.”

Many in the crowd were supporters of the family of 25-year-old Ryan DeAngelis, who was found dead at a residence on McPhillips Road in Silverhill in June.

Several people in the crowd wore t-shirts with a photo of DeAngelis with #JusticeForRyan and a Facebook Page called RyansArmy.

Family members also carried signs claiming that the investigation was mishandled after evidence was turned over to the District Attorney’s office. No arrest has been made in the case. Jeffery “Zach” Taylor was treated and released for injuries suffered during the incident.

“A murder has been committed in your town and nothing is being done about it,” one bystander shouted following the meeting. “Ryan deserves justice and Chief Wasdin deserves to speak.”

Another man, who later identified himself as John Winslow, stood in the middle of the room following the meeting demanding a “recall” and asking if anyone would sign a petition. When confronted by the media outside, Winslow expressed his support for Wasdin.

Wilson and council members did not engage the crowd following the meeting and simply left the council chambers without further discussion.

Tensions spilled over between DeAngelis supporters and members of the Wasdin family with the two groups being separated to avoid a physical confrontation and the room was immediately cleared.

No word was mentioned at Monday’s meeting when or if any action would be taken in the case. The council will hold its regular semi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19, postponed from Monday, Jan. 18 because of the King-Lee holiday.

During its meeting on Jan. 4, Wilson presented a settlement offer from Wasdin’s attorney which included seven weeks’ severance pay, vacation time as of Dec. 31 and vacation pay as of Wasdin’s anniversary date Jan. 17. The settlement was not discussed in the public forum at Monday’s meeting.

A native of Stapleton and a resident of Elberta, Wasdin is a 20-year veteran of law enforcement having served as an officer with the Elberta, Foley and Summerdale police departments. She served as assistant chief in Silverhill under Chief Alvin Coggins before becoming chief in 2007.