Colin RussellJASPER, Tenn. – A Marion County, Tenn., jury of five men and seven women deliberated less than two hours Wednesday afternoon before handing down a guilty verdict in the trial of Christopher E. Russell, the father charged with felony murder and aggravated child abuse in the 2012 death of his 3-month-old son.
Russell was found guilty of the lesser offense of second-degree murder and aggravated child abuse, then placed into custody as his family watched. There were tears on both sides.
Infant Colin Eugene Russell, who would have been 4 years old in March, died June 24, 2012, after he was taken off life support. He was hospitalized June 17, 2012, after he stopped breathing at his home in Sequatchie, Tenn.
A sentencing hearing was set for this fall. Judge Thomas “Rusty” Graham said it was likely the two charges would be merged and the sentences probably would be ordered to be served concurrently.
Russell didn’t testify and only one defense witness was called to the stand in the three-day trial before Judge Thomas “Rusty” Graham at the Marion County Justice Center.