Freezer Murder: Minister Speaks Out

Mobile Anthony Hopkins A Mobile Minister who knew Anthony and Arletha Hopkins says the case has devastated the Christian community.

by Diana Lucio

Published: Wed, July 30, 2008 - 9:09 pm CST

One Mobile minister, who preached alongside Anthony Hopkins for almost 10 years says, the case has devastated the Christian community.
Pastor Jerry Porter says he met the Hopkins family back in 1998 at the Williams Street Holiness Church in Trinity Gardens.
He says he Hopkins preached there in 2004. "A lot of us just gravitated to him because it was just awesome to see that special gift that worked like that, where you could speak into a person's life..see into a person's life,"Said the Mobile minister. But he says Hopkins sermons only lasted six months. Porter says that is when rumors began to swirl that his wife Arletha had died and says it is the last time he remembers seeing her. Pastor Porter says he questioned Hopkins about his wife. "I had came to him personally and I was only left with an opinion and I just didn't want to go off of that. But when this surfaced, it pretty much validated what I had possibly thought,"Said Porter.
Pastor Porter says while he had to let Hopkins go from his congregation in 2004 after the rumors began, they kept in close touch. Porter says the last time he spoke with Anthony Hopkins, was in December of last year.

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jesus23 Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 7:00 pm

hopkins is not guilty

DEW26M Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 6:57 pm

“agreed”

myopinion Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 6:48 pm

I think some people are just having a hard time believing they have been ‘snowed’ by this man. It’s another case of people who believe they can abuse others (sexually, mentally, physically) and put on a bright-smiling ‘priase God’ attitude on Sunday mornings. You will pay for your actions one way or another.

jesus23 Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 6:28 pm

well his oldest step daughter could have been told the police this was true i believe and my heart that hopkins is not guilty i believe she no morer than she telling the people because her story is not totally added up because i have seen her personally around him and she didn’t act afraid of him at all so they need to check morer of thier information that shes telling because he have been a help to some people here and jackson alabama every one didn’t get to speak about him so i’m am now i pray that god will see him threw this and also i pray for the children .

myopinion Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 6:14 pm

He’s a snake, or a wolf in sheep clothing….end of story. I can’t imagine knowing your mother is ‘down the hall’ in a freezer. Poor kids.

finebluenile Says:

Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Thank God the oldest child came forth. She saved her siblings. Ms.Hopkins died a tragic death at the hands of her husband(preacher).- The sad thing—-people knew something was wrong and didn’t think to call the police.. They just kept talking about the family - and as they were talking the kids was being abused.

blessed angel Says:

Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 5:10 pm

This is a really horrible experience for the children. My prayers r with them. This experience will be with them for life. These scars r forever. I pray that their mother’s family will give them an a caring home with lots of Love. For they r the victiums and have been for a long time. “To the children of Arletha Hopkins” Your Mother Is At Peace. For all of you are safe!

futurewomanofgod Says:

Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 7:38 am

I knew him from years ago he preached at my church. He was very controling his kids and wife showed the emotion of fear.When other ppl talked to them they had to look at him to get permission to speak.My heart goes out to the kids.But Anthony Hopkins I never thought you could do something like that to your wife and your kids.I looked up to you when we first met but not long ago my mom preached a sermon and she said GOD IS ABOUT TO UNVEIL ALL THESE FAKE/CROCKED PREACHERS WHO PREACH ONE THING AND DOING ANOTHER.I never thought you Anthony Hopkins would be one but god uncovering you all.For what you did to your family MAY GOD NOT HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL because GOD is gon make you pay.

Tide Fan Says:

Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 7:13 am

“I had came to him personally and I was only left with an opinion and I just didn’t want to go off of that. But when this surfaced, it pretty much validated what I had possibly thought,“Said Porter. Why not call the Police? These people knew there was something wrong with this family and turned the other way…I will never understand the true potential of someones stupidity.