DA’s office suspends Casey White case

FLORENCE - The Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Casey White's capital murder case in the death of Conniee Ridgeway of Rogersville has been suspended, with leave to reinstate it in the future.

The DA’s office filed a “Motion to Nolle Pros with Leave to Reinstate” today, according to a release from the office.

"Among the reasons cited for the case being placed on hold is the fact that White is already serving what amounts to a life without parole prison sentence and the amount of State resources which will be required to go forward with a jury trial at this time," the release states. "In addition to serving a life sentence for his 2022 escape from the Lauderdale County Detention Center, White is serving a total of 75 years in prison based on convictions in Limestone County in February 2019. According to prison officials, he will not be eligible to even be considered for parole until 2081, at which time he will be 98 years old.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said the decision was made after discussions with investigators and with Ridgeway’s two adult children Austin and Cameron Williams. Investigators are continuing the investigation into the case, focusing on whether there are others, in addition to Casey White, involved in the 2015 murder.

“Austin and Cameron support the decision to suspend the prosecution at this time. Suspending the prosecution of Casey White will allow investigators additional time to complete their investigation and will preserve State resources, Connolly said. "In the meantime, Casey White is right where he belongs; in Donaldson Prison.”