There's very little about this story that's based on undisputed fact. However, residents attempting to surpress deserters belonged to John P. West's company. No Honeycutt is on roll.

Born about 1803, James Honeycutt was too old to be a conscript, a deserter or a militiaman. He had at least four sons who entered the Confederate army. George died shortly after enlistment and Riley M. was a member of the boy company raised by Capt. Pitts. Riley could have come home as a deserter -- the roll isn't clear on this topic. However, we do know that Jasper and Joseph deserted from the 44th Alabama Regiment. It would stand to reason that James Honeycutt was killed for harboring Jasper, Joseph and possibly others.

I don't know the family relation, but note the company commander's comments on this record --
http://www.archives.state.al.us/civilwar/soldier.cfm?id=97949