Wade on Birmingham

Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks: Lakendall Sims

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In August, we’re celebrating Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks, whether they be liars, thieves, extortionists, swindlers or thugs. A 30-part series running daily until Birmingham mayor Larry Langford’s Aug. 31 Oct. 19 federal trial. Thanks to Bhamwiki for helping with this project.

Lakendall Sims

Lakendall SimsPosition held: murderer, rapist, convict

Wanted for: all of the above, plus assault, escape, robbery, kidnapping, burglary and theft.

Date of conviction: January 2008 for rape; Jan 30 for murder

Sentence: Was serving 20 years for rape, now serving two life terms in prison for murder.

Criminally fun fact: Sims had been out on bail after being charged with rape in 2006, awaiting an August 2007 court date. In June 2007, he and three other teenagers — known as the Lipscomb Four — were charged with one murder, then a second murder.

On Sept. 16, a bailiff was taking Sims from the Jefferson County Jail to a courtroom in the Bessemer Courthouse when Sims asked to go to the restroom. He overpowered the bailiff, handcuffed him and stole his gun and his pants.

Sims walked out the front door of the courthouse, hijacked a van, hid out in a house and in the woods, but was recaptured the next day. He says he evaded capture by police in the woods by lying perfectly still.

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