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Barry Lee Jackson
WALHALLA — There were many sobs in the courtroom Wednesday, but none seemed louder than those of Barry Lee Jackson as he cried before a judge while explaining that he did not mean to kill his girlfriend at the West Union home they shared.
Circuit Judge J. Cordell Maddox accepted a plea of voluntary manslaughter from Jackson. The judge told Jackson that under sentencing guidelines he could sentence him from zero to 20 years in prison.
After hearing from Jackson and his family, Maddox heard from the mother and a friend of Kimberly Ann Parker, the 30-year-old woman who died from blunt force trauma at the hands of a man she had been living with for about two weeks.
Maddox also heard from the lead investigator in the case, Oconee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kevin Cain, who said Jackson had a history of abusing Parker. Cain also said the Sheriff’s Office has had its run-ins with Jackson.
“He has a violent nature,” Cain said.
Maddox ended up giving Jackson the maximum 20-year sentence.
Jackson was composed after learning his fate. He turned around and kissed his mother who was standing behind him. The mother told the judge that she was there because she loved her son.
Jackson also kissed a woman who bore him a child. She left the courtroom weeping loudly.
Before the sentencing, Jackson appeared contrite as he cried in explaining the circumstances that led to Parker’s death. Jackson said he and Parker drank too much the day of their altercation and did not remember much. However, he recalled pushing Parker and that she hit her head on a commode. He said Parker showered and had gone to bed. Jackson said that when he saw Parker was having problems breathing, he asked his neighbors to call 911. He said he was giving Parker CPR when emergency personnel arrived. At first the case was treated as a possible drug-related incident. However, an autopsy showed signs of blunt force trauma, and Jackson was charged with murder.
“I’m truly sorry for the grief I caused them,” Jackson said in court, referring to Parker’s parents. “If they can’t find it in their hearts to forgive me, that’s OK because I’ll never forgive myself.”
The victim’s mother, Hilda Parker, said her daughter was an only child. She spoke about her misgivings in seeing her daughter get mixed up with Parker and the signs of abuse. Parker’s girlfriend also testified that Parker feared for her life.
Jackson’s attorney, former public defender Derek Enderlin, said the plea was in the best interest of his client. He said the alternative would have been a murder trial that carries a 30-year sentence if he were convicted.
Prosecutor David Wagner pressed for the maximum sentence.
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November 20, 2008
9:18 a.m.Report inappropriate content
This is crap, you kill someone take there life and all you get is twenty yrs. No wonder people are doing the things they do. You get a slap on the wrist. No wonder Oconee County has so many drug pushers and thieves around. They do nothing. Know this guy personally and the tears were a joke. Gets off by abusing others. If it would of not been her, it would of been the next girl. And you're going to let him back out. Shes not going to get her life back. Justice is not justice anymore. So sorry for slap in the face to the Kimberly's family. My heart goes out to you. The sentences here are to light. As we have had someone break in our home. She was let right back out, and has since then robbed again and again. And still out. Tell you if there was some stiffer consequences for our actions, a lot of this crap would stop. Maybe when he gets out and kills again, you all will figure it out. Sorry it has to be at the expense of someone else. For the system to see some people are not meant to be with society.
November 20, 2008
9:34 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Yes, I agree. Murder is murder, and 20 years is not enough. But, it is the law, and the judge gave the maximum that he could. There should not have been a plea agreement. Then he might have gotten a JUST sentence. We really need to chnge some laws, especially concerning murder and child molestation/abuse. If he was a habitual abuser, then there should not have been a plea offered. He knew that what he was doing could result in harm or death. Shame on our system. My the Lord be with the family and friends of Kimberly Parker.
November 20, 2008
7:04 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I know the sentence is unfair. But unfortunatly that is the maximum allowed. But to say that No ones sobs were louder than jacksons was untrue to say the least. Mrs. Parker's sobs as she told the judge about that fatefull night and Mr. Parker's sobs as he had to sit in the same room with the man, no the monster who took away so few precious years with their only child were heard all the way to heaven! Jackson lied when he said he never hit her. I am sorry for his child but he never showed Kim mercy. As I said in court, He will see his daughter again. The Parkers won't have that luxury. Until they meet again in heaven. Kim is with her son now. But I miss her every day. Her picture is where it has been for years... right by my bed. I still tell her and Tyler goodnight every night just as I have for 8 years! Rest peacfully Baby, kiss T-man for me. I will be there one day.