Former Alabama police officer involved in deadly chase charged with involuntary manslaughter

Gurley, a former police officer, has been indicted by a Madison County grand jury in the death of a north Alabama man, according to court documents.

Christopher J. Whalen, 31, who resigned of Hurley police in December was charged with involuntary manslaughter after he struck and killed 22-year-old Matthew Deandre Norwood while chasing another car in July 2023.

The Accident on July 21 happened around 11:46 p.m. at the intersection of Interstate 565 and Jordan Lane, near the 17 mile marker in Huntsville city limits.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Whalen was on duty in his assigned patrol car in active pursuit of the Nissan Maxima at the time of the collision.

Norwood was seriously injured when the 2008 Toyota Corolla he was driving crashed into Whalen’s 2018 Ford Explorer.

Charging documents allege Whalen failed to reduce speed while running a stop sign.

Norwood, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, was later taken to a Huntsville hospital where he died from his injuries, according to ALEA.

Whalen was also injured and taken to a Huntsville hospital for treatment.

The Nissan being pursued was not hit and was not directly involved in the crash. It is not clear whether the driver of the pursuing Nissan has been apprehended.

According to WHNT, ALEA completed its investigation into the chase in November 2023 and forwarded the findings to the Madison County District Attorney’s office.

Official Gurley told the station in January that Whalen had resigned pending the conclusion of the investigation.

On September 23, a warrant was issued for Weilen’s arrest. He posted a $25,000 bond on Oct. 12, according to court records.

The court session is scheduled for February 10, 2025.