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of his own back and neck injuries – ran through the mud to carry his sister to safety. She stated that she understood the tragedy of the situation, but felt that her brother was a valuable member of society because of the helping hand he was to his family, children, and community.

Kersey’s cousins Megan Allen and Moriah Driggers spoke of Kersey’s gentle nature, as they asked the judge to consider his character, which was consistently selfless and giving. Driggers encouraged Kaufold to see Kersey not as a murderer, but as a man who made a decision in a frightening circumstance.

Kersey’s grandparents and friends continued to share statements about his nature, each echoing his reputation as a hard worker, a generous friend, and a dedicated family man.

Kersey also submitted a record of therapy that he had completed while awaiting trial. His lawyer David Pittman requested that Judge Kaufold give Hunter first offender status and sentence him to probation, as he argued that Kersey is not a threat to society, as evidenced through his being out on probation for over two years and having had no incident.

Assistant District Attorney Pritchett opposed this request, as he stated that Kersey gave no mercy during the killing, and although he is not convicted of murder, the Judge could not separate that the assault led to the loss of life. He stressed that by Kersey leaving the scene of the murder, he treated McCarty mercilessly and therefore, deserved no mercy. Pritchett requested that the maximum sentence – 20 years in prison – be given by the Judge.

Judge Kaufold spoke to Kersey about the potential of first offender status, as he asked Kersey why he believed he was worthy of such. Kersey told the judge that he felt that he posed no threat to the community and strives to care for the people around him. Pittman added that Kersey desires to return to society and become employed without a felony record.

After spending several minutes thinking in his chambers, Judge Kaufold returned to the courtroom, where he sentenced Kersey to twenty years of supervision, 5 of which must be served in prison and a $5,000 fine. After 5 years, depending on his behavior, Kersey will be eligible for parole to finish out his sentencing. Kaufold did grant Kersey first offender status, meaning that any record of the felony will be erased after the completion of the sentence.

Kersey immediately began serving his sentence, as he returned to the Department of Corrections’ custody.