Jurors Choose Against Death Penalty in Hampton Case
CHARLOTTE, NC - After the announcement jurors and defense attorneys broke down in tears. Andre Hampton apologized for his actions and the death of his son. "The jury's verdict speaks with compassion, with humility," said Defense Attorney Norman Butler. Defense Attorneys are grateful a jury spared Hampton's life. "He felt that their compassion was throughout the case. He's grateful for their decision," explained Defense Attorney Joe Von Kallist. The same jury convicted Hampton of first degree murder for killing his 23-month-old son Elijah in 2008. In a taped confession, Hampton showed how he beat the boy with a belt and rapped his hands and feet with a hairbrush and toothbrush. Assistant District Attorneys say they respect the sentencing decision. "This is a decision the community gets to make - this jury spoke on behalf of the community, so we respect that they were able to make a decision and the decision they made," said Assistant District Attorney Bill Stetzer. In the sentencing phase.. defense attorneys presented a look back at Hampton's life. Family members testified he was beaten as a child and suffered from depression. Attorneys asked jurors "not to seek vengeance.. but justice." "We hope and we pray that Mr. Hampton will share this very tragic experience for good, for the rest of his life," Butler says. |
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