James Coddington met Albert Hale while working at Honda Auto Parts and they struck a friendship. Coddington said that Hale was a good man who always had something good to say about others. Hale’s son, Mitch, said his father was friendly and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his friends. Coddington and Hale’s friendship developed, and they almost always ate lunch together at work. They grew so close, in fact, that Hale’s family knew Coddington, as reported by KOCO News 5.
On March 5, 1997, 24-year-old Coddington was struggling with substance abuse and had been on a cocaine binge for a few days when he visited Hale at his home. There, he asked his elderly friend to loan him $50 so he can get more drugs. According to The Oklahoman, the 73-year-old refused to give Coddington money and instead advised him to seek treatment for his drug addiction. Angered by the refusal, Coddington grabbed a claw hammer from the kitchen and struck Hale five times on the back of his head. Afterward, he went through Hale’s clothing looking for cash and took the $525 that he found tucked in his pants. Coddington fled the scene thinking that Hale was already dead, but he survived the attack. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his grave injuries the next day. During his clemency hearing in 2022, Coddington stated that Hale was a good friend who was there for him whenever he needed help.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
