CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway CrimeApr 02, 2024
2 Suspects Arrested After Attempted Robbery, Kidnapping
The men, along with a third suspect who remains at large, allegedly tried to rob a jewelry store in Guntersville, Alabama.
Authorities in Alabama arrested two men in connection with the attempted armed robbery of Griffins Jewelers of Guntersville. (Image courtesy of the Guntersville Police Department’s Facebook page)
Guntersville, Ala.—Authorities arrested two men in connection with the attempted armed robbery of a jewelry store in Alabama following an hours-long standoff.
The men are also suspected of kidnapping two women prior to the robbery.
The Guntersville Police Department responded to an armed robbery call at Griffins Jewelers of Guntersville at 10:23 a.m. on March 28, according to a statement from the department.
Three individuals had entered the store while armed and attempted to rob the location, but the manager fired a weapon at the robbers, causing them to flee.
Witnesses told police the suspects left in a white van headed southbound on U.S. Highway 431.
Shortly after the attempted robbery, the police department received a seemingly unrelated call about two missing women being at a nearby Lowe’s.
When officers arrived, they saw the vehicle involved in the jewelry store robbery in the Lowe’s parking lot.
They found the two missing women from nearby Brighton, Alabama, inside.
Related stories will be right here …
The men are also suspected of kidnapping two women prior to the robbery.
The Guntersville Police Department responded to an armed robbery call at Griffins Jewelers of Guntersville at 10:23 a.m. on March 28, according to a statement from the department.
Three individuals had entered the store while armed and attempted to rob the location, but the manager fired a weapon at the robbers, causing them to flee.
Witnesses told police the suspects left in a white van headed southbound on U.S. Highway 431.
Shortly after the attempted robbery, the police department received a seemingly unrelated call about two missing women being at a nearby Lowe’s.
When officers arrived, they saw the vehicle involved in the jewelry store robbery in the Lowe’s parking lot.
They found the two missing women from nearby Brighton, Alabama, inside.
Brighton police said the women, Alma Nestor and Rosaneli Castro, were parked by the Bessemer Super Highway, where they sell water and food to those heading to work in the early morning hours, according to a local news report.
Around 5:30 a.m., two men approached the van, forced the women inside, and drove off with them. The abduction and carjacking were caught on surveillance videos.
The women did not know their abductors, said police. They got in contact with their family members, who alerted the police.
The women and their van had been left in the parking lot after the attempted robbery, and they were unharmed.
The suspected robbers were identified as Jonathan Banks of Guntersville and Andre Burgin of Midfield, Alabama, according to Guntersville police.
Guntersville police could not be reached for comment about the status of the third suspect.
On March 29, police obtained warrants for the two men for the robbery of the jewelry store.
The Guntersville police contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Birmingham Division to ask for help, believing the men to be in the Birmingham area.
The suspects were found after barricading themselves inside the attic of a local residence, said police.
It took several hours for tactical teams to remove the men, turning them over to Guntersville police.
The men were booked into Marshall County Jail on felony warrants.
Guntersville police noted that a number of law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation and apprehension of the two suspects.
The investigation is ongoing.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
