The small town of Morris, Alabama was shaken to its core in February 2015 when local resident Michael Reese was found brutally murdered in his home. The case took a surprising turn when it was discovered that Jeffrey David Brown, the senior pastor of the Sardis Baptist Church, was involved in the crime.
The upcoming Dateline episode will delve into the details of this complex case, which includes a convoluted love triangle and a shocking twist that left the community reeling.
Who is Jeffrey David Brown?
Jeffrey David Brown was the senior pastor of the Sardis Baptist Church in Morris, Alabama. He was a respected member of the community, known for his passionate sermons and dedication to his congregation.
However, behind the façade of his religious persona, Brown was hiding a dark secret. He was having an affair with Cindy Henderson Reese, the wife of Michael Reese, who was found murdered in his home.
The Murder of Michael Reese
On February 18, 2015, Cindy Henderson Reese made a 911 call to report a home invasion at her residence on the 600 block of Banks Street. However, when authorities arrived at the scene, they found no signs of forced entry or missing valuables. The investigation revealed that the scene had been staged, and the perpetrator was likely someone known to the victim.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Cindy had been having an affair with Jeffrey David Brown, who was also a close friend of Michael Reese. Brown had been counseling Michael and Cindy, who were having marital problems, and the two had developed a close relationship.
The Arrest of Jeffrey David Brown
The investigation into Michael Reese’s death led to the arrest of Cindy Henderson Reese and Jeffrey David Brown. According to The Mirror UK, Brown had helped Cindy get rid of the murder weapon and some jewelry she had handed him at a gas station after the murder.
Brown pleaded guilty to manslaughter and testified against Cindy in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence. He is currently serving his sentence at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama.
The Dateline NBC Episode
The upcoming Dateline episode, titled “Even the Devil Went to Church,” will explore the twists and turns of this shocking case. The episode will air on April 21, 2024, at 10 p.m. EST and will provide a detailed account of the investigation, the trial, and the aftermath of the murder.
The episode will also feature interviews with key players in the case, including investigators, family members, and friends of the victim. The official synopsis of the episode reads, “When a small town Alabama resident is murdered in his home, rumors involving a local pastor begin to swirl as the truth ends up turning the community upside down.”
FAQs
Who is Jeffrey David Brown?
Jeffrey David Brown is the former senior pastor of the Sardis Baptist Church in Morris, Alabama, who was involved in the murder of Michael Reese.
What was Jeffrey David Brown’s relationship with Cindy Henderson Reese?
Jeffrey David Brown was having an affair with Cindy Henderson Reese, the wife of Michael Reese, who was found murdered in his home.
What was the motive behind Michael Reese’s murder?
The motive behind Michael Reese’s murder was not clearly established, but it is believed that the affair between Cindy and Jeffrey was a factor in the crime.
Where is Jeffrey David Brown now?
Jeffrey David Brown is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama.
