JOHNNY EARL MAHAFFEY CONVICTED BY ANDERSON COUNTY JURY/SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

An Anderson County jury found Johnny Earl Mahaffey guilty of Murder and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Violent Crime for the shooting death of Ryan Cox in August of 2006. The Honorable J. C. “Buddy” Nicholson sentenced Mahaffey to life in prison plus 5 years for the firearm charge.

Over a period of three days, the prosecution presented testimony from a number of witnesses as well as forensic evidence which linked Mahaffey to the murder. The defense presented no witnesses.

“The evidence in this case clearly showed that Johnny Mahaffey murdered Ryan Cox without provocation. Ryan Cox was a father and a son. He had friends and family who loved him. His death was a senseless act of violence. Nothing the justice system can do to Johnny Mahaffey will bring Ryan back. Hopefully, knowing that Johnny Mahaffey will be in prison for the rest of his life will allow Ryan Cox’s survivors to find some peace.”