A convict that murdered a pregnant woman almost thirty-years-ago will not receive the death penalty after a deal was reached between the State of Georgia and the convicted killer’s attorneys.
In August of 1989, James Ray Ward kidnapped and murdered Nikia Gilbreath, who was five-months pregnant at the time. Ward was indicted for malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping and infanticide. The murder took place in the Villanow Community of Walker County.
Ward was convicted and sentenced to death by Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Jon “Bo ” Wood. In 2010 the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions, but set aside the death penalty for Ward. Ward was remanded for a new sentencing, and once again the State of Georgia was seeking the death penalty.
Today, Ward and the State of Georgia presented a consent order to Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Brian House which permitted a sentence of life without parole. Judge House accepted the consent order and sentenced Ward to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Comments
So, uh, does Nikia and her baby get their life back??? Something just doesn’t seem right.
This is not right, he sentenced a woman and child to death and there’s no doubt she was begging for both of their lives . He should get the same consideration he gave them..NONE
I guess Judge House does not know the peoples’ will too much. He should not interfere in what the people have already decided.
Looks like we voted the WRONG judge !!!
Its all twisted… Looks as the State gave up on the Death Penalty!!!
Who’s fault is it ???