Douglas Charles Jude, 81, was the victim of a violent assault in Sylacauga, Alabama, that led to his death. On November 22, 2022, while resting in bed, he was attacked by a man identified as Christopher Grantham. The assailant reportedly had been at Coosa Valley Medical Center’s Emergency Department shortly before arriving at Jude’s home. Grantham reportedly stole Jude’s 2010 Honda Accord and his cell phone and fled.

Jude suffered extensive trauma and attempted to drive himself to the hospital but was involved in a motor vehicle crash on West 4th Street, where police found him. He was taken to Coosa Valley Medical Center and later transferred to the intensive care unit at UAB Hospital. Jude died from his injuries on December 16, 2022. Grantham was located in Lynn Haven, Florida, driving the victim’s vehicle, arrested and extradited to Talladega County; initial charges of first-degree assault and first-degree theft of property were upgraded to murder after Jude’s death.

If anyone knew Douglas Jude or has information about his movements or the events of November 22, 2022, please come forward.