Third suspect convicted in killing of Knoxville couple

A jury in Knoxville has convicted a third suspect in the carjacking and torture killing of a youngKnoxville couple.

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Published: December 08, 2009

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A jury in Knoxville has convicted a
third suspect in the carjacking and torture killing of a young
Knoxville couple.

The jury, chosen in Chattanooga, found George Thomas guilty on
Tuesday in the January 2007 murders of 21-year-old Channon
Christian and her 23-year-old boyfriend Christopher Newsom.

In live coverage by WBIR-TV, the jury foreman replied, "Your
honor, we the jury find the defendant guilty" as each count was
read by Judge Richard Baumgartner.

The defense presented no testimony in defense of Thomas, of
Lebanon, Ky., but told jurors the state failed to present evidence
that Thomas carjacked, raped or killed anyone.

In earlier trials, ringleader Lemaricus Davidson was sentenced
to death and his brother Letalvis Cobbins of Lebanon, Ky., was
sentenced to life without parole.

A fourth defendant, Vanessa Coleman, remains to be tried.

A fifth conspirator, Eric Boyd, was convicted in federal court
of being an accessory after the fact for hiding Davidson, and was
sentenced to 18 years in prison.