The fourth of the 5-so-called “Vampire Cult” murder suspects now knows his punishment.
Judge James Fensom sentenced James T. Gay to 15-years in prison Friday morning, for his role in the murder of 16-year-old Jacob Hendershot.
The teenager's mother could not have been happier after hearing the sentence.
"15 years. I can't wait to, now that James kid is off the street and can't hurt no one else,” Nancy Robinson said. “15 years. I hope he learns a lesson in there."
The case picked-up the name “Vampire Cult” because 18-year-old Stephanie Pistey claims she is part vampire, part werewolf.
The group targeted Hendershot because Pistey claimed he raped her. They lured him to a house in Parker and beat him to death. Gay threw the first punch, breaking a bone under Hendershot's eye.
"He was proud of the injuries he had inflicted upon the victim, in this case,” said Larry Basford, the assistant state attorney. “And for that he needs to be punished."
After Gay left the room, Joel Millsap and William Chase continued the attack, killing Hendershot.
Millsap, Chase and Pistey all copped pleas to their involvement. Gay was the only one who went to trial, and was found guilty.
"I would say that an appropriate punishment in this case would be a sentence in excess of ten years due to the vicious nature of this attack, that was completely unprovoked by the victim who has 16 at the time," said Basford.
Gay's attorney disagrees.
"A person can only be sentenced for a crime he or she commits and not conduct that their not legally culpable of,” said Lorraine Bytell. “Certainly, we do acknowledge that a loss of life occurred, but that was not as a result of my clients conduct."
Judge Fensom is scheduled to sentence the last suspect, 18-year old William Chase, on August 27th. He pled guilty to second degree murder last month. Chase will receive at least 25-years in prison, and could get up to 30-years. Hendershot's family will get to address the court during that sentencing.