Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty to Killing Neighbor with Space Heater

Monyuett Catrice Hinson accepted a plea deal for felony murder in the 2021 death of Alverner Blanks.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Monyuett Catrice Hinson, a 29-year-old Alabama woman, pleaded guilty to felony murder in the 2021 death of her 76-year-old neighbor Alverner Blanks. Hinson initially faced a capital murder charge for hitting Blanks in the head with a space heater during an argument, but accepted a plea deal that reduced the charge to felony murder. Blanks died weeks after the incident from the head injury.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of violence between neighbors and the importance of conflict resolution, as well as the role of plea bargaining in the criminal justice system. The plea deal allowed the victim's family to avoid a lengthy trial while still holding the perpetrator accountable.

The details

According to authorities, Hinson and Blanks were neighbors and acquaintances who got into an argument outside their homes on September 8, 2021. During the dispute, Hinson allegedly struck Blanks in the head with a space heater, causing a serious injury. Blanks died from the injury weeks later, prompting police to charge Hinson with capital murder. However, Hinson accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of felony murder on February 27, 2026, just a week before her trial was set to begin.

  • The incident occurred on September 8, 2021.
  • Blanks died from his injuries weeks later.
  • Hinson was charged with capital murder in November 2021.
  • Hinson pleaded guilty to felony murder on February 27, 2026.
  • Hinson's trial was scheduled to start a week after she accepted the plea deal.

The players

Monyuett Catrice Hinson

A 29-year-old Alabama woman who pleaded guilty to felony murder in the death of her neighbor Alverner Blanks.

Alverner Blanks

A 76-year-old man who died from head injuries sustained when Hinson struck him with a space heater during an argument.

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What’s next

Hinson will be sentenced for the felony murder charge, with a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies within communities to prevent tragic outcomes, as well as the complexities of the criminal justice system in balancing accountability and efficiency through plea bargaining.