Convict’s lawyers contest consecutive sentences
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Lawyers for a felon who was convicted for a second time in the torture slaying of a young Knoxville couple are contesting their client’s sentence.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/13bNsKQ ), defense attorneys filed court papers this week, contending George Thomas should not have received consecutive terms in the 2007 deaths of 21-year-old Channon Christian and 23-year-old Christopher Newsom. The sentences add up to 105 years in prison – two murder terms and a rape sentence.
The defense is asking Senior Judge Walter Kurtz to reconsider the sentencing, asserting the jury rejected the grounds for consecutive sentences.
No hearing on the motion has been set.
Lebanon, Ky., residents Thomas, Vanessa Coleman, Lemaricus Davidson and Letalvis Cobbins were convicted in the couple’s deaths.
