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.
The Latest
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
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.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
