Henderson County Residents React to Former Sheriff Convictions
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HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn.- Henderson County residents reactions to their former Sheriff Ricky Lunsford’s guilty verdict, Monday were divided. Despite two guilty convictions, some still believe Lunsford is innocent while others said they believe the justice system failed. Lunsford was found guilty on a count of attempted voluntary manslaughter which is a lesser count than the attempted first degree murder charge he originally faced. Lunsford was also found guilty use of a firearm to commit a felony. He was not found guilty of aggravated kidnapping nor aggravated assault. “Him being a former sheriff of Henderson County, I believe that’s how he got out of the attempted murder charge. The justice system stinks…there is no justice system here, I mean there is a system but there is no justice,” said resident Marvin Shults. “I really do deep down inside think he should have been found guilty on all four charges.” In April of last year, according to Jackson Police, Lunsford forced his estranged wife outside of the Tap Bar and Grill in Jackson and fired nearly 12 shots at her in the parking lot. Officers said she ran for cover and was not injured. “It makes our county look bad considering it is our former sheriff,” said resident Candice Jordan. Lunsford was first appointed to be the Sheriff of Henderson County in 2000. County leaders said in 2002, he was elected and in 2006 he was re-elected before he resigned. Residents and deputy officers who served under him for six years told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that he was a trusted leader who was loved by the community. “I hate it for Ricky I hope it all works out for him and he gets the help he needs and if he was found guilty you know… take your punishment like a man and come home,” said resident Donnie Burrow. Many Henderson County residents said they do not believe Lunsford’s convictions negatively affect the county or sheriff’s department. Residents said they do have trust in their current sheriff’s department leadership
