Charges in pastor killing sent to grand jury

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Antonio Henry, the 25-year-old man accused of killing a Chattanooga pastor, had charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and criminal impersonation bound over to the grand jury this morning.

During testimony, Chattanooga Police Department investigators said Henry and his 16-year-old cousin Brendan Barnes offered different accounts for why they ventured to the Rev. David Strong's Glenwood Drive home on Oct. 4.

Police Detective Michael Wenger said Barnes told police they visited Strong to murder and rob the pastor, while Henry said they went to Strong's house to perform a sex act for money.

Detective Wenger also said Henry and Barnes confessed to the crime.

Investigators found a portion of a walking stick next to the pastor, Wenger said.

Article: Henry: 'I snapped' after Strong asked for sex act

Strong was stabbed 29 times during the struggle, according to an autopsy report.

The robbery motive also came into question during the hearing, when Detective Wenger testified that Strong offered his debit card's personal identification number in the middle of the struggle.

Previously, police said the men asked for Strong's debit card information.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.