Each month the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office highlights one of our standout staff members. MCDA’s September Employee Spotlight is Murder Team Trial Coordinator Amanda Sumrall. Amanda has been with our office for over fourteen years and has worked in various positions including the charging office and Circuit Court. In 2012, she was moved to the Murder Team where she obtains additional evidence for cases, prepares cases for Grand Jury, and assists the Assistant District Attorneys with preparing for trial and scheduling witnesses. When she is not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband Matt, and her two beautiful children Huckleberry and Alma Sue! We asked Amanda a few questions to dig deeper into why she works in this field and what motivates her every day!
What is your favorite or most rewarding thing about your job?
The look on the victim’s family’s face when the defendant is found guilty. I work with a pretty awesome team so that helps too.
What have you learned/gained from working at MCDA?
I’ve learned that not everything is as it seems and not to believe everything you hear on the news. The public is quick to judge and blame our office for things that we cannot control.
What is the key to balancing a healthy professional and personal life?
Having a co-worker who is always willing step in to help, aka Brynne & Josie, and a supportive husband and amazing friends.
Do you have an influential project or case that you have worked on? Something that really affected you or moved you?
There have been a few. The Deblase/Keaton capital murder case, the Dakota Everett Capital Murder case, the Jamal Jackson capital murder case (the 911 call was the worst,) and the Hiawayi Robinson case. They have all affected me in some way. I was seven months pregnant with my second child during the Delbase case and I had just come back from maternity leave when we tried the codefendant, Heather Keaton. Emotionally that was really hard.
Has there been anyone in your life that has influenced you professionally?
Professionally- Martha Salter who was my supervisor while I worked at Penelope House. She taught me a lot. And Greer Wilhelm, who was the Charging ADA when I first started working here. Both are amazing women and we could use more women like them both.
Are there any organizations that you are passionate about?
Aubreigh’s Army Foundation 328. Aubreigh passed away in 2018 from DIPG. There is no cure for DIPG. The Foundation is hoping to change that and is working hard to help find a cure.
What is the most important thing in your life?
My family. They are the first thing I want to see in the morning and the last thing before I go to sleep.