By Alabama Public Radio
Athens, AL – A north Alabama judge has ruled a grand jury should hear the case against Farron Barksdale. He's charged with capital murder in the shooting deaths of two Athens police officers. District Judge Robert Baker sent the case to a grand jury after a court hearing. Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely said Barksdale gave investigators a taped statement admitting that he shot the officers. Prosecutors say the grand jury will meet in March. Defense attorney John Mays says if the grand jury indicts Barksdale, he'll plead innocent and innocent by reason of insanity.