Jury finds Henderson guilty of capital murder

Gregory Henderson, a Georgia-native, is accused of running over and killing Lee County sheriff's deputy James Anderson in 2009.

Deputy James Anderson

 


OPELIKA, AL (WTVM) – The fate of Gregory Lance Henderson is in the hands of a Lee County jury. The jury began its deliberations about an hour before noon Tuesday.

Henderson, a Georgia-native, is accused of running over and killing Lee County sheriff's deputy James Anderson in 2009.

Henderson looked surprisingly calm inside the courtroom. He was escorted out to await the verdict in another room.

As he walked out he acknowledged several members of his family and friends that are here supporting him.

Meanwhile, the widow of Deputy James Anderson is surrounded by her family, friends and a courtroom full of law enforcement officers from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Auburn Police Department and the Opelika Police Department.

Defense Attorney, Jeremy Armstrong told the jury Tuesday in his closing statements that his client did do something wrong. However, he says the defendant, Henderson, did not have the intent needed for capital murder. Armstrong added Henderson should be convicted on one of the lesser charges.
In closing, the assistant district attorney told the jury voluntary intoxication is never a defense to a charge unless it is so extreme that it rises to the level that the defendant is no longer conscious that he is committing a crime.  She said, Henderson appropriately followed and obeyed commands just after the incident when Deputy Katie Bonham was taking him into custody. The assistant district attorney added Henderson was not impaired and he knew the difference between right and wrong.