McQueen gets 10 years for Scott's death
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Dale McQueen was found guilty of the September murder of Matthew Scott last week.

McQueen was sentenced to 10 years for the murder that occurred over a dispute over $10.

But Steven Gilbert, who is working to form Beatty's Coalition in the black community, said the whole incident could have been avoided.

"This is a tragedy for both families involved but the black community needs to know that this is not a situation that needs to divide us," Gilbert said. "We need to all come together as a black community and learn to forgive and forget. This is a situation that we all could have avoided if we would had effective communicated with each other."

According to Jasper police reports, Scott was allegedly shot in the face by McQueen after the two argued over the payment of $10 in the 1200 block of Hollins Street in Jasper.

"They were arguing over $10," said Det. Mike Poindexter of the Jasper Police Department. "One said the $10 was to buy some pills and the other said it was to pay back a debt that was owed. Matthew was mad because the money was his and he called Dale about the money. He said if he didn't get his money he was going to jump him. Matt ends up at the house and an argument ensues over the $10.

"According to Dale, he said he raised the gun several times and Matt would walk away," Poindexter said. "He said he did it several times and the last time Matt allegedly put his hat backwards and came at him and so he shot him. He called the police and said he just shot a guy but it all stems over ten bucks."

Gilbert knows a little about the street life in Jasper. In fact, it was that involvement with the street life that led him to a 20-year sentence in prison.

"I made a promise to myself and God that when I got out of prison that I would be a positive influence in the black community," Gilbert said. "I grew up in prison and saw many young black men coming in and out on there and that needs to stop."

Gilbert is born and raised in Jasper and believes that regardless of the situation, "we have to take responsibility as young men and women."

"As black men and women, we need to stop doing the things we are doing in the community and take things in a different direction," Gilbert said.

He said the entire Scott murder could have easily been avoided through communication.

"It happened and it shouldn't have happened," Gilbert said. "I think justice was well served although I grieve for the family who lost a loved one because I lost two brothers in prison.

"I believe in the judicial system and believe it actually works," Gilbert said.

Gilbert said he was in jail when McQueen was arrested Sept. 20.

"The night he was arrested he came in and we sat down and talked," Gilbert said.

The formation of Beatty's Coalition will make available council to those in jail to avoid situations where their representation is not adequate, according to Gilbert.

He said the coalition's goals are widespread and will encompass more issues dealing with the black community.