JESSE NEWTON SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR MURDER

Jesse Newton pled guilty today in Anderson County General Sessions Court to the charge of Voluntary Manslaughter for the death of Harold Bridges on February 3, 2004 in Anderson County. Circuit Judge Cordell Maddox sentenced Newton to 30 years in prison. 

Newton had corresponded with Bridges on the internet. Bridges went to Newton’s house with regard to their chat room conversation. As Bridges arrived on the front porch, Newton loaded a rifle and exited the home through the back door. He then proceeded around the house, shooting Bridges from approximately 36 feet away. Forty-eight year old Bridges died at the scene.

Because he was only 15 at the time of the incident, Newton was originally charged as a juvenile. However, after a full waiver hearing in juvenile court, Judge Barry W. Knobel transferred jurisdiction of the case to the Court of General Sessions. While being housed at the Department of Juvenile Justice (prior to his 17th birthday), Newton’s records indicate that he had 51 referrals for behavioral problems, mostly assaults on peers and staff. Newton was transferred to the Anderson County Detention Center after his 17th birthday. 

“My staff and I will continue to hold juveniles who commit adult crimes fully responsible for their actions. We hope this sentence will allow the family members of Mr. Bridges to feel some closure to this terrible tragedy. They have our deepest sympathies.” Solicitor Chrissy Adams.