CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The family of Kenneth Herring says they are relieved and grateful after a jury returned a guilty verdict in the murder trial of Hannah Payne Tuesday night.
On May 7, 2019, Hannah Payne followed 62-year-old Kenneth Herring after witnessing a crash where Herring reportedly hit a semi-truck on Clark Howell Highway near I-285. That’s when police say Payne shot and killed him.
Now, more than four years later, the jury unanimously found Payne guilty on all eight counts, including malice and felony murder, false imprisonment and aggravated assault.
Kenneth's younger sister, Vicky Herring, said she's been at all of Payne's court appearances, and it's been hard on their family.
"After five years, I believe the case was presented as it happened. The state did its job and the jurors did their job," Vicky said after the verdict Tuesday night. "It was a relief that, although my brother died over nothing, but it was a relief that we can say now he's at rest."
Vicky described Kenneth as a protective big brother but also as a grandfather who will never get to see his grandchildren grow up.
"We have the full story now," Vicky added.
Those sentiments were echoed by Kenneth's younger brother, Keith Herring.
"On that particular day, the way that I found out this incident had taken place, I'll never forget it -- it will forever be ingrained in my heart and in my mind," Keith said. "I am happy with the verdict. I pray that she will someday find... peace with what she's caused. Maybe even forgiveness one day."
The Herring family said they are also grateful for the jury's quick verdict.
"We are at peace right now. The jury did what they were supposed to do. They heard all of the evidence, they saw all of the evidence and they came back with a swift verdict," Jacqueline Herring said. "From the first to the second to all the way to the eighth, all I could say was, 'Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.'"
Payne's sentencing is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 15.