ATLANTA — After a jury returned a verdict in her murder trial, Hannah Payne has learned her fate Friday morning.
After hearing arguments and witness statements, the Clayton County judge sentenced Payne to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole for the charge of malice murder. She will also serve eight years consecutively for the count of false imprisonment and another five for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Click here to re-watch the sentencing.
Earlier this week, the jury unanimously found Payne guilty on eight counts in the death of 62-year-old Kenneth Herring, including malice and felony murder, false imprisonment and aggravated assault.
During Friday's sentencing hearing, the prosecution and defense called their final witnesses. Kenneth Herring's family spoke where they expressed how the tragedy will forever changed their lives.
"No more Christmas, no more birthdays, no more family gatherings, his grandchildren won’t know him," said Vickie Lynn Herring, his sister.
His other sister, Jacquelyn Karell Herring, said that she wishes Payne got a sentence heavier than jail time.
"I’ll never see my brother again only through pictures. The same sentence that she gave him I will like to see the same sentence given to her," said Jacquelyn Karell Herring.
Herring’s brother, Keith, recalled when deputies came to his home as they notified next of kin.
"My life from that point has never been the same," said Keith Herring.
On May 7, 2019, Payne followed Herring after witnessing a crash where Herring reportedly hit a semi-truck on Clark Howell Highway near I-285. Herring reportedly then left the scene of the crash, but police said Payne followed and confronted Herring, demanding he return to the crash site. Though she called 911 to report a supposed hit-and-run, she ultimately shot and killed him.
Police said no one was hurt during the accident, and there wasn't extensive damage. In testimonies from detectives from 2019, a witness revealed Herring appeared to be in the middle of a medical emergency. Detectives said witnesses described the emergency as "like diabetic shock."
Payne allegedly shot Herring several times as he sat in the driver’s seat of his car, killing him. She testified during trial that she never intended to shoot him.
The jury's deliberations came shortly after closing arguments wrapped up.
On Tuesday, Prosecutors said the verdict was bittersweet.
"It's a victory but it's not a victory because the victory would be Mr. Herring being here celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family," Clayton County District Attorney Tasha Mosely said. "It's bittersweet; I'm happy that we now have justice for the family, but... to make this family complete, Mr. Herring's supposed to be here to celebrate."
You can re-watch as the jury returned the verdict in the trial below: