WACO, Texas (April 15) - A man who shot off his girlfriend's face and killed her mother was convicted of murder and attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison Friday. Later, his surviving victim forgave him, saying she has taken back her life.
Jurors deliberated about 30 minutes before finding Terrence Dewaine Kelly guilty, and another 20 minutes before deciding on two life sentences, one for murdering Janice Reeves and one for disfiguring Carolyn Thomas.
Bandages still cover most of Thomas' face, 16 months after the 2003 shooting and the first of six planned reconstructive surgeries.
In an emotional victim impact statement, Thomas addressed Kelly, saying he no longer controlled her.
"I can honestly say that I forgive you,'' Thomas said. "The world knows me now as the woman without a face. But I would rather be remembered as a survivor.''
Thomas, 34, earlier testified that Kelly abused her repeatedly during their 11-year relationship and threatened to kill her before a bullet tore off her right eye, nose and upper jaw.
After the sentencing, Kelly smiled, turned to friends in the courtroom and said, "I'll be out in two years.'' Kelly, 32, who apologized to Thomas during the trial, must serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole.
The defense did not dispute that Kelly shot the women but argued that he was insane at the time. The judge threw out the defense on Thursday.
Prosecutors contend Kelly was high on marijuana laced with formaldehyde the night of the shootings.
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Jurors deliberated about 30 minutes before finding Terrence Dewaine Kelly guilty, and another 20 minutes before deciding on two life sentences, one for murdering Janice Reeves and one for disfiguring Carolyn Thomas.
Bandages still cover most of Thomas' face, 16 months after the 2003 shooting and the first of six planned reconstructive surgeries.
In an emotional victim impact statement, Thomas addressed Kelly, saying he no longer controlled her.
"I can honestly say that I forgive you,'' Thomas said. "The world knows me now as the woman without a face. But I would rather be remembered as a survivor.''
Thomas, 34, earlier testified that Kelly abused her repeatedly during their 11-year relationship and threatened to kill her before a bullet tore off her right eye, nose and upper jaw.
After the sentencing, Kelly smiled, turned to friends in the courtroom and said, "I'll be out in two years.'' Kelly, 32, who apologized to Thomas during the trial, must serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole.
The defense did not dispute that Kelly shot the women but argued that he was insane at the time. The judge threw out the defense on Thursday.
Prosecutors contend Kelly was high on marijuana laced with formaldehyde the night of the shootings.
AOL News: http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050416012509990011



in a chair & let him Ride the Lightning. Maybe he can marry Micheal Jackson First...