ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A verdict has been reached in the murder trial for a woman accused of tracking down, shooting and killing a man after he left the scene of a car accident in 2019 in Clayton County.
Hannah Payne, 25, was standing trial on charges for the death of Kenneth Herring, 62. She was found guilty of all eight counts she was facing.
VERDICT:
- Count 1, malice murder: Guilty
- Count 2, felony murder: Guilty
- Count 3, aggravated assault: Guilty
- Count 4, felony murder: Guilty
- Count 5, false imprisonment: Guilty
- Count 6, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony: Guilty
- Count 7, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony: Guilty
- Count 8, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony: Guilty
Sentencing will be on Dec. 15.
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Deliberations began around 4:50 p.m. and ended shortly before 7 p.m.
During closing arguments, Payne’s attorney said his client “is not a killer” and argued the state didn’t prove whose finger was on the trigger when the gun went off.
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“This is not some murderer. This is a young girl who got caught up in the wrong situation with a good heart and good intention,” Payne’s attorney said.
The prosecution said during closing statements that it was clear Payne was the only aggressor in the case, and she acted with malice when she chased Herring down and pulled out her gun.
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“Do you know how much entitlement you have to have to chase somebody down, detain them, jump out of your car, and run toward a stranger?” the prosecution said. “The audacity (of her) to come here and take that stand and blame everybody else.”
On Monday, Payne took the witness stand. She testified that she was trying to be a “messenger for police” when she approached Herring’s truck while on the phone with a 911 operator — despite being told not to.
WATCH: Hannah Payne testifies in her own trial
On Dec. 7, jurors heard the two 911 calls Payne made during the incident, which happened on May 7. Prosecutors said Payne followed Herring after she witnessed him run a red light, hit an 18-wheeler and drive away. Prosecutors argued Payne ignored dispatchers who told her not to engage with Herring.
As Payne approached Herring, prosecutors argued there was a struggle and she shot him.
Payne’s lawyer argued she acted in self-defense. On the witness stand, Payne testified Herring pulled the trigger during the struggle.
The trial started on Dec. 6.
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