By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

COLUMBIANA — A 58-year-old Sterrett man has pleaded not guilty to murder in the 2011 death of his wife.

Michael Shane Derossett, who now resides in Trussville, pleaded not guilty April 1 in the September 2011 death of 48-year-old Sonya S. Derossett. His trial is set to begin April 21.

On Sept. 21, 2011, Shelby County sheriff’s deputies and Westover Fire and Rescue were dispatched twice to the 7000 block of Shelby County 51 in Sterrett, where responders found Sonya Derossett incoherent and unresponsive during their second response.

Sonya Derossett was transported by ambulance to Shelby Baptist Medical Center, where she died on Sept. 22, 2011.  The Shelby County Coroner’s Office notified sheriff’s investigators that Sonya Derossett’s cause of death was suspicious. Investigators subsequently visited the Derossett residence to speak with Michael Derossett and search for evidence of a crime.

After months of investigation, Michael Derossett was arrested and charged with murder in April 2012. He has since been released from the Shelby County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

Investigators presented evidence against Michael Derossett to the Shelby County Grand Jury, and the grand jury returned a murder indictment in April 2012.