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George Thomas Found Guilty Again in Christian-Newsom Murders

Tennessee Department of Correction

A Davidson County jury has found George Thomas guilty on all 38 counts related to the 2007 kidnapping, rape, torture and murder of Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian, including a charge of first degree felony murder. Following its verdict, the jury also sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole.  During the past week, Thomas' attorneys attempted to portray him as a passive observer to the crimes, but for the second time, a jury has determined him to be an active participant.   Thomas was originally convicted and sentenced to life without parole in 2009, but the conviction was thrown out after it was discovered presiding judge Richard Baumgartner was abusing painkillers during the trial. 

On June 4, Judge Walter Kurtz will determine whether more time should be added to Thomas' sentence.