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Bradley Sentences Givens to Life without Parole

On Monday, June 11th, Superior Court Judge Roger Bradley sentenced Charles William “Billy” Givens to life without parole for the 2010 Whitestone murders of 24-year-old Laura Ashley Schell and 46-year-old Wayne Alan Poole. Additionally, Givens received a 20 year sentence for the shooting of 50 year-old former resident of Whitestone Robbie Chuck Payne.

In August 2010, Givens was indicted on two counts of Malice Murder, one count of Aggravated Assault and three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

According to a press release from the District Attorney’s Office this week, Appalachian Circuit District Attorney Joe Hendricks prosecuted the case, saying,

“ (the) best thing that this court can do for the families of the victims in this case is to see to it that they never have to worry about their loved one’s killer being released from prison,”

arguing for a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Sr. Assistant District Attorney Jenny Smith also prosecuted the case, while Gerry Word and Jerilyn Bell of the Capital Defenders Office represented the Defendant. The lead case agent was Dustin Hamby of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Daniel McKeon

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