Mobile, AL: Mother killed in front of children tried to protect herself from estranged husband

By Mark R. Kent
May 12, 2010, 6:24PM
MOBILE, Ala. -- A 43-year-old rural postal carrier wanted in connection with the Tuesday evening shooting death of his estranged wife had been due in court Wednesday to answer charges that he violated her protection order, the woman's attorney said.

Michael Kenneth Berry remained at large as of Wednesday, Mobile police said. He is wanted in connection with the shooting death of 36-year-old Wendy Stevens inside her sport utility vehicle.

Stevens' attorney, Michael Murphy, said Stevens' four children -- three boys and a girl -- saw their mother killed up close. They were sitting inside the Expedition with her.

The shooting took place about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday near an automated teller machine at the RBC Bank branch at 7849 Cottage Hill Road.

Mobile County Juvenile Court Judge Edmond Naman said a request for protection had been filed on Stevens' behalf Jan. 11, and the temporary ruling remained in place while divorce proceedings were under way before Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Donald Banks.

"Here is a woman who did everything she was supposed to do, go to Penelope House, get the protection order, and she was even trying to get surveillance cameras put up at her house," Murphy said. "And it wasn't enough."