By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
It must seem to Rayvon Madison that every time one cell door opens in front of him, another soon closes behind him. That’s how it’s been for the Atmore man for the past seven-plus months.
Madison, who has a lengthy history of domestic violence and other arrests, was the subject of a widespread manhunt after he allegedly tried to kill his ex-girlfriend in June 2022.
He was eventually taken into custody and held without bond on one count each of attempted murder, possession of a pistol by a convicted felon, first-degree domestic violence, aggravated stalking, first-degree burglary, third-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
Since then, his journey through the legal system has taken a few unexpected twists and turns. A timeline of that journey:
June 20, 2022
Madison reportedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s residence just after midnight and fired at least one shot at her from a handgun, then chased her down the street. Police said he had been stalking the woman prior to that date.
August 8, 2022
After nearly two months — during which he was sought by Atmore police, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Alabama State Troopers and agents of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force — the elusive suspect was arrested at a location on Cross Street, near Harris Street, in Atmore.
December 15, 2022
Madison was released from the Escambia County Detention Center into the custody of Alabama Department of Corrections officials.
March 23, 2023
According to Escambia County Clerk of Court records, District Attorney Steve Billy decided to not pursue the attempted murder and other charges for which Madison was most recently arrested. He asked for and was granted a motion to nol pross the case.
The DA could not be reached for comment on his decision, but according to NOLO.com, an Alabama prosecutor might nol pross, or dismiss charges, for a variety of reasons, including (a) re-evaluation of evidence, (b) emergence of new evidence, (c) failure of witnesses to cooperate, or (d) a desire to give the defendant a second chance.
March 31, 2023
The jail website shows that Madison was booked into the county facility again, this time under a “hold for other agency.”.
Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann said the most recent lockup was related to a previous conviction for domestic violence against the same woman, for which Madison was on probation.
“He was on probation for domestic violence charges against the same victim, so the hold is in reference to that,” McMann said. “They are going to revoke his probation before sending him back to prison.”
Madison remained in the ECDC late Friday, April 21, awaiting a probation hearing and a likely transfer back to state prison.