A Cullman County grand jury has returned a murder indictment against an Arab man in connection with an April 2017 shooting that left one person dead in Baileyton.

Robert Lee Kimbrough Jr., 28, was indicted for murder and two counts of first-degree burglary.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in early April of someone entering an occupied home in Baileyton. Johnathan Andrew Smith, 34, of Blountsville, was shot inside the home allegedly by Mike Sweatmon, the resident of the house, according to Sheriff’s Office investigators.

Kimbrough accompanied Smith and he was located two days later. Smith’s body was found in a car after the burglary attempt with gunshot wounds.

Sheriff Matt Gentry said investigators had identified Kimbrough as the driver of the car. 

Kimbrough was charged with murder because he allegedly participated in a crime in which a death occurred, Gentry said. 

“In this case, the person who was killed broke into the house. The other person can be charged for participation,” Gentry said during the investigation.

Sweatmon was not charged. Investigators have said it appears his actions were self defense.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.