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Timothy Ross | I have no memories of Christopher | January 30, 2012 |
LOVE | Gone too soon.. | December 7, 2011 |
Carmen |
Jury decides Edenfield should be execute |
BRUNSWICK — The jury that found David Edenfield guilty of murdering and sexually abusing his 6-year-old neighbor authorized his execution Tuesday.
The jury deliberated just over two hours before coming back about 6:25 p.m. with the sentence that Judge Stephen Scarlett made the order of the court.
Scarlett also sentenced Edenfield, 61, to life on two counts of aggravated child molestation and 20 years each on charges of aggravated child molestation and cruelty to children. Scarlett ordered the sentences, each the maximum penalty allowed by law, to be served consecutively.
He structured the sentences in such a way that Edenfield will not live long enough to serve out any of them even if his death penalty were overturned.
The family of the victim, Christopher Barrios Jr., left the courtroom smiling. His mother, Latrina Keith, hugged Special Assistant District Attorney John B. Johnson and said, “Thank you.”
His father, Mike Barrios, and his grandmother, Sue Rodriguez, told reporters they were happy with the sentence and that they felt Christopher’s presence in the courtroom throughout the weeklong trial and that they drew strength from it.
Although it is likely to be delayed for years on appeal, the judge signed a death warrant scheduling Edenfield’s execution between Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 .
Both Barrios and Rodriguez said they wanted to see him executed.
“If I’m not dead by then, I’ll be there and so will my mom,” Barrios said.
Asked what he would say to Edenfield, Barrios said, “I’d say, 'We got you.’
“Christopher got his justice today, but we’ve got two more to go,” he said.
Still to be tried are Edenfield’s wife, Peggy, 58, and their son, George, 34, a convicted sex offender, also charged with murder, cruelty to children and other charges that match those against David Edenfield.
District Attorney Stephen Kelley said both will be prosecuted, and their cases will proceed as soon as possible.
Justice for Christopher was a theme for the hundreds of volunteers who had searched days for the boy after his March 8, 2007, disappearance until he was found a week later. The theme echoed in Kelley’s argument as he asked them to impose the death penalty.
Justice demands that the punishment fit the crime, and the only punishment fit for Christopher’s savage sexual assault and horrific, torturous murder is the death penalty, Kelley said.
“But for one man’s cold heart, but for one man’s depraved mind, Christopher Barrios would be alive today,” he said.
Kelley reminded jurors of the evidence — including Edenfield’s own words in a recorded confession — that he sodomized Christopher before choking him to death, “acting on instinct” because he wanted to see what it felt like to choke somebody.
He asked jurors to recall the evidence that Edenfield then sexually gratified himself over the boy’s naked, lifeless body before the child was wrapped in five plastic garbage bags and dumped, like trash, in the woods.
In his closing argument, Kelley at one point blurted out that Edenfield was “this animal.”
Edenfield’s attorneys immediately objected and asked Scarlett to admonish the veteran prosecutor. They also moved for a mistrial, which the judge denied.
Appearing surprised at his own words, Kelley immediately apologized to the jury. The judge instructed the panel to disregard Kelley’s remark because it was improper.
After the trial, Kelley said the emotion that triggered the description was real.
“I have children of my own. I felt very strongly. It wasn’t an act. I want justice for Christopher,” he said.
Defense lawyer John Beall IV argued that Edenfield’s life should be spared.
Edenfield “is not a cancer on society, but a human being,” Beall told jurors.
“We ask you to consider mercy even though some of you may feel David deserves none,” he said.
Edenfield will die in prison, Beall said, regardless if he is executed or sentenced to life with or without parole.
Pointing to Christopher’s family in the courtroom, Beall said, “The hole in the hearts of his family and friends will not be healed with the death of David Edenfield.”
Co-counsel James Yancey Jr. told the jury they should spare Edenfield’s life because he should not receive a greater punishment than that which might be imposed on his wife and their son.
Both Yancey and Beall left court without commenting.
The three Edenfields moved to Canal Mobile Home Park after they were informed that as a convicted sex offender, George could not live close to a park where children gathered.
Brunswick has a park with playground equipment that occupies a full block a short distance from their former home.
At the mobile home park, the Edenfield house sat between the mobile homes of Christopher’s father and his grandmother. In walking between their homes, the boy passed by a corner of the Edenfields’ rented mobile home.
He disappeared while playing in the park.
It had taken the jury of six men and six women empaneled in Jeff Davis County less than two hours Monday to find Edenfield guilty of murder, cruelty to children, two counts of aggravated child molestation, and one count each of child molestation, tampering with evidence and concealing a death.
Barrios said they were grateful to all the volunteers who had helped search for his son, and lauded Glynn County police as well as Kelley and Johnson for their hard work bringing Edenfield to justice.
MELODY F. ANTHONY |
I will forever think about this beautiful child..He looks like my 7yr old son Tysen.not a day goes by im not reminded of the pain he endured. My heart breaks for his pain....To his parents..hes in a better place........Be blessed.
Mrs. Lewis |
I am just hearing about this tragedy because of the trial.
My heart aches, my mind is in disbelief that someone could do this to another human being.
I am also livid that more attention was not brought to this story by the media. I happend to see the link on the ajc on sunday afternoon.
Christopher is now resting with our Lord and Savior Jesus "Christ" No more pain or sorrow.
My prayers go out to the family because you are the ones left here to deal with the loss and murder of your loved one. I can only say, hold your family closer and look to Christ as your comfort "He Is" the only one who can get you through this. I have a 5 year old son and 10 year old daughter and I cant even imagine what you are going through. But I know that God will carry you through.
God bless and your family is forever in my family prayers
Mimi |
holly taylor |
Connie Briley |