🔍 The Gist: Charles Terry Collins, 71, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, and other charges in the July 2023 shooting of his wife in Canton.
📰 The Details: The six-day jury trial concluded with the conviction of Collins for the murder of his wife, Deborah Sherry Collins, 63. The incident occurred in their Canton home, where Collins shot Deborah with a .38 special revolver, later claiming self-defense.
However, evidence suggested Deborah was unarmed. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, resulting in a swift jury decision after less than three hours of deliberation.
🔢 By The Numbers:
- 21 witnesses testified: 15 for the State, 6 for the Defense.
- Over 300 exhibits were presented as evidence.
- Jury deliberation lasted under three hours.
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🔙 In Context: Collins admitted to the shooting but did not seek aid for his wife or call emergency services. His defense centered around self-defense claims, which were contradicted by crime scene investigations.
📅 What’s Next?: Sentencing for Collins is expected later this week, with Superior Court Judge Shannon Wallace presiding. This phase will determine the extent of Collins’ punishment for the crimes committed.
🗂️ Domestic Violence Stats: A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that between 2003 and 2014, about 55% of all female homicides in the U.S. were related to intimate partner violence.
