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Read comments (110)He walks out of the courthouse a free man.
Members of Henderson's family and friends were thrilled -- his mother, Rachael Stewart, was overcome with emotion.
Henderson was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, burglary and arson for the June 2006 deaths of Richard and Jessie Shepard. He has been held at Saline County Justice Facility since his arrest June 10, 2006.
Daniel Berning and Spencer Anderson, the two other men charged for the crime, pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree murder in May 2008. Sentences for the murder charges were held back for the "truthful testimony" of Berning and Anderson in Henderson's trial.
Although Berning's testimony was detailed and specific, Henderson's attorneys were apparently successful in convincing the jury that the testimony was seriously tainted by the plea deal.
Before the verdict was announced, Judge Robert L. Koffman cautioned those in the courtroom that he would not tolerate any outburst.
"I will excuse the jurors first, followed by the family, and I expect order to be maintained."
More than a dozen law enforcement officers were on hand in the courtroom to reinforce the judge's directive.
Henderson sat with his head bowed, hands over his eyes while the jury filed in.
When the first "not guilty" verdict was read, there were sobs of joy from the east side of the courtroom, where Henderson's family and supporters were seated.
After the final verdict was read and the jury and the members of the Shepard family left the courtroom, Henderson's family swarmed him.
Outside the courtroom, Stewart, who had testified on his behalf, expressed relief.
"The Lord has been with us the whole way," she said. "My son has always been innocent. I'm glad the jury saw that."
Outside the courthouse, Henderson's uncle, Claude Grimes, said he felt deeply for the family of the Shepards, but he was happy to see his nephew go free.
"A man is proven not guilty today," he said. "It's justice."
Prosecuting Attorney Don Stouffer said he thought the jury carefully considered both sides before reaching its verdict.
He noted the state had a difficult task gathering enough evidence in the case.
"The fire destroyed all physical evidence from the scene of these brutal homicides," he said, adding that the initial ruling by the fire marshal that the Shepards' deaths were accidental resulted in a two-day delay in starting the homicide investigation.
"Those circumstances coupled with the requirement of our system that every person is entitled to proof of their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt made this an uphill climb for the state."
Stouffer said the Saline County Grand Jury continues to hear evidence related to the case.
"Charges against additional persons remain a distinct possibility," he said. "There is no statue of limitations in murder cases, and as long as there are additional avenues of investigation, we intend to continue to pursue justice for Tiny and R.D. Shepard."
One quick question...and I'm not chosing sides here either, because weather he did this crime or not is not the issue anymore.
Have you ever been accused of a crime or something you didn't do?
I have, and I even went to court over it. Got a lawyer and had a Judge make a ruling instead of a Jury. I was found NOT GUILTY. Even though my issue wasn't about murder or anything that serious. I couldn't get some people to believe me. Just for the simple fact that charges got filed against me. In the end I was right and could finally get back my life, but, it was not an easy thing. A couple of years later someone else was charged with the same crime that I was charged with, and admitted to doing the crime.
It came out that OH MY GOSH!!!, I really didn't do it. Like I had been saying since the very beginning. My story not changing once. My heart was racing and I was praying like crazy before the judge read the verdict. I knew I didn't do it but did the judge know?
Just wanted to give you a thought. Maybe he really is not guilty because he really didn't do it, and if he did do it, there is nothing that can be done about it now because of double jeapordy. But Please, do not precieve that because some of you think you know "bad cops" in Marshall that therfore all cops are bad. There is a system in place for a reason, if you don't like it then VOTE for a change.
Wow...
Intelligence runs freely on these blog sites doesn't it?
When are we going to see what to come of Carlos and Shawna?? Why are we worried about Lyndale when there is at least one other person running the streets free??? Shouldn't we be more worried about them then the one the JURY found innocent?
Hello all. I WAS a member of the jury and i have a few things to say. Race had nothing to do with our decision. It never even entered our discussion during deliberation. None of us cared if he was black, white, brown, yellow or red. What we did talk about was evidence, or rather, the lack of evidence. Maybe shows like CSI have distorted our expectations of what evidence should be, but without fingerprints, dna, footprints, blood on clothing or the golf club, what do you have? You have the testimony of Daniel, which changed over time and seemed to be a bit prompted. You have Zona's testimony, which also changed over time. You have a lot of lies mixed in with the truth, fact and fiction and two years of time. Our impressions of the witnesses along with evidence and gut feelings, led to over 5 hours of discussion in that deliberation room. We picked it apart, witness by witness, shared our thoughts. We felt that some things were not handled well during the investigation or the trial; some questions we expected to be asked were not. We also read over those instructions from the judge and attorneys many times, even asked for clarification of terms. We were not about to leave that room until each of us was completely comfortable with our decision. I can tell you that when all the closing comments and instructions were read to us and we filed into that room, it really hit me that i was one of 12 people who would decide someone's future. I nearly cried from the weight of that responsibility. I did not know this person, i had only heard him speak for about an hour and now i was to decide his guilt or innocence. Until you have been in that position, until you have to make a decision that you will have to live with the rest of your life, then you cannot know how it can affect you. Even now when i talk about it, i nearly break down in tears. There was no question that a horrible crime was committed; two people have confessed and are in jail. But i believe for Lyndale Henderson we came to the only decision possible.
Those who are saying things about Lyndale must not no him . I haVe known him several years he was friends with both of my son's spent many nights at my house i could of never met a nicer kid.. Never gave me no problems and always respected me in my house..
Now for the other two boys.. they have tried to come to my house but i seen red flags right away and made it clear to my son's I did not want them hanging with them and they didnt. That doesnt make Lyndale a bad kid cause he did.. He just chose the wrong friends at the time whom tried to get him caught up in there mess.. Alot of kids are like that they dont want to take the fall them selfs and so they take others down with them and thats exactly what happen in this case. Heck adults have even done that.. HE said She said..Its time for everyone to grow up.. Have you every thought if maybe they hadnt take pray out of our schools some of our kids wouldnt be so bad.. It wasnt that bad when i was growing up and going to school and we prayed before lunch sometimes thats the only seed of GOD that a child gets if there not getting it at home.
I feel so sorry for the shepard family. I knew the man but didnt no his wife.. And i remember what a good man he was,very kind with a good heart.. And i am sure his wife was the same way..
But please lets let lyndale live his life he already has had to suffer from what that bernie kids has done to him. and his poor mother that is her child how you think she felt as Jesus mother did when ever one was throwing stones at him. Im not saying he is a saint cause no but God is.. but let them live there lives and let him grow up to be a man now.. Not haVing to look behind his back to see who is back stabbing him he already had that done to him by someone he was befriending with , He will never forget this and it will be on his heart for the rest of his life what he had to live thru.. enough is a enough.. Respect his mother as you would others to respect yours that is her son that people are talking about... Thank Jesus for you life right now and dont worry about his..
104 comments. Wow.
I'm thinking....if even 1/10 of the energy spent blogging on this one article alone were spent doing something positive for the community, many great things could happen:
A child might get the extra tutoring or help he/she needs with homework;
Somebody could get an extra special warm meal;
A good book might get read;
It's even possible someone might just see a simple need, come up with a simple solution, patent it and retire a billionaire.
This bantering reminds me of "The Truman Show". Ridiculously stupid, but illustrative of how much attention folks are willing to pay to someone else and how little they are willing to focus on themselves. Anyone remember how the movie ended?
LILBIT--- Well, since the Hendersons are leaving maybe you should go with them! You are one of the most neagative people yet that I've seen comment on here. This whole section of the paper was so that people could post their comments and we all are doing just that. You can say what you want about Mr. Berning, you're right he is a toubled person, but you can't make someone do something that they DON'T want to do! No one made Lyndale hang out with Berning! Also, comment all you want about the MPD(oh, and I'm not a felon), but the fact is that one officer in particular, Mr.Gooden, I know he would and did not lie! He's a wonderful, honest, caring person. Get over yourself and move on, the trial is over! : )
Lil bit I can not believe we actually agree on something. I also cant wait for the family of henderson to be able to pack up and get as far away from us hurtful people as fast as they can.
I would like to point out that just because he was found not guilty does NOT mean he did not commit the crime, it only means that the jury found "reasonable doubt", a big difference if you ask me.
cutler06 how do you feel now! you judged before all the facts now it bit you .you probably thought since he was black hes guilty.dont judge too soon
Are you serious, Lil Bit? You're right - I'm a convicted felon hiding behind my computer screen!! The difference between us and Henderson is that he is a "good" person?! WOW..if that's not the most ignorant statment I've ever heard. He was on TRIAL for murder!!!! The only reason there was NO evidence was because they set the scene on fire...hmm, fire destroyes evidence. Reasonable doubt is what saved him, nothing else. And even though I am a girl, I acted/behaved differently around the parent's of my friends. So he may have been the sweetest, most caring kid your kids hung around with, but that doesn't mean he wasn't out acting up with other kids.
You can sit there and call names all you want, we're losers, we're pathetic, but the point is, you are doing the exact same thing you are condemning us for. Carlos, Shawna, etc..How do YOU know they are guilty? Exactly.. Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house!
And it is called freedom of speech to say whatever I wish concerning this matter..You can't, nor can anyone else, tell me I can't say what I feel.
And no way was this a racial issue. Henderson was put on trial because Anderson and Berning placed him there. He admitted to being with both of them, Berning stayed at his house..etc. Oh but that's right, silly me -- he's such a nice kid, he let Berning stay with him, and Berning snuck out alone to do this..right, glad I'm on the same page now...
Blah Blah Blah.....For all you future detectives out there and know it alls who criticize any law enforcement official if you think you can do a better job and get the conviction do it by all means jump in get your feet wet. All this talk about not doing their job racism this that and on and on. If you can do the job any better by all means take the time fill the slot. If not then shut up. Put yourself in there shoes...you cant your to afraid of the outcome but you will sure post on here all the negative, and never see the good. One person said it best All cops are crooked, corrupt, and out to get the wrong people until you need them. You all don't know what you want, but to complain to make yourselves feel better. The man was found not guilty for 2 years maintaining his innocence because he was. The other 2 confessed not just for a lesser sentence but because they knew they were guilty. Anyways end of subject let it go move on with your life. And stop bashing the police until you've been in there shoes shut your mouth. Lyndale if your reading this remember this and I hope you do "No matter what anyone says to you only GOD can judge you" forget about what people say to you. Your going to be ok.
Blah Blah Blah.....For all you future detectives out there and know it alls who criticize any law enforcement official if you think you can do a better job and get the conviction do it by all means jump in get your feet wet. All this talk about not doing their job racism this that and on and on. If you can do the job any better by all means take the time fill the slot. If not then shut up. Put yourself in there shoes...you cant your to afraid of the outcome that you will post on here all the negative. One person said it best All cops are crooked, corrupt, and out to get the wrong people until you need them. You all don't know what you want, but to complain to make yourselves feel better. The man was found not guilty end of subject let it go move on with your life. And stop bashing the police until you've been in there shoes shut your mouth. Lyndale if your reading this remember this and I hope you do "No matter what anyone says to you only GOD can judge you" forget about what people say to you. Your going to be ok.
As far as Black deputys there were two George Woods and Bill Smith.
Both worked for many years as such!
Thats right lil bit, they dont need marshall, they can go live there lives somewhere peaceful and not full of ignorant judging people like half the citizens in marshall. Its a shame that Lyndale should have to leave HIS home town , Where HE grew up his ENTIRE life, because people are so cruel. But at least he will be better off and will never have to deal with it again.
luckymomma
you sure think you know it all look what you have started
i agree with buttercupp there is good and bad in every race looks like there are a lot of people who know these boys and bernings name keeps showing up and not in the good. Berning has issues but alot of people just dont seem to get that
i feel that if lyndale was guilty, he would not be the type of caring person that he is hes back out in the public with his head held high could or would any of you leaving all of these negative comments do what hes doing and been accussed of what he has been accussed of, my son knows lyndale and berning and berning came to our house a couple of times, and it didnt take me long to tell this kid to hit the road he was trying to get my son to take belongings out of the house, i was standing outside of my sons bedroom and i heard him telling my son how easy it would be and how much money they could get, i went into my sons room and told him (berning) he needed to leave my house, i sat down with my son and had a talk with him and i went to the school and i let them know that these 2 boys were not to be together. Bernings mother didnt seems to care.
My son and lyndale played football together and i never heard anything bad about him. We are WHITE. There is good and bad in all races.
county does seem to do a little better at responding.
the local mpd appears that they have to much time to just ride around in their cars. I have a scanner also, and i will leave it at that.
Growing up in Marshall, moving away, and then reading some of the stuff people said about this trial is appalling. The justice system is a very fair system and they have jurors and lawyers because of it. All these conspiracy theorist should just accept that the system worked. An innocent person didn't get locked up unlike hundreds of others that "accidently" do. Some of the stuff people said wasn't of Christian faith or liberal ideologies, it was just evil. Give a little trust to the ones that run the country. That seems like a real American tradition. Maybe I'm just too much of an optimist?
You go first
Luckymomma, who are you??
How did this go from Lyndale being found not guilty to all of this?
Since the drugs are such a big issue then maybe all the police officers should be trained on the meth labs…. It doesn't take a scientist to figure out that there is a lab going on… I lived across the street from a meth house, I lived there for 5 years and then this started, needless to say, and I sold my property. Everyone in the area knew what was going on. One night at 1 in the morning I got woke up to someone trying to get into my house, This guy was beating the you know what out of my door, I called mpd, when they showed up this guy had started walking away from my property, the police stopped him, I was watching out the window, There were 2 police cars that showed up and do you all know that the mpd let him walk straight across the street to the damn meth house, (I guess they didn't know he was higher than you know what) They NEVER made any contact with me.. I have a police scanner and I heard the name of the guy, He told mpd that he had the wrong house, the next day I contacted saline county sheriff department and I was told that the man that was at my house had a criminal record which was assault, If he had gotten into my house and high on drugs, who knows what he would of done… So I guess mpd was doing their job? Whatever..
btw
My son came home today and said that lyndale was back in school and holding his head high as he should!!!
marshallmoresident,
Thats the problem here..... good information....that our citizens need to know gets deleted.
I once knew a catholic school teacher who was hooked on meth and caught her hubby cheating and beat the hell out of his big truck....
Lil bit.....
You hit the nail on the head!!!! BAD COP INFESTED TOWN!!! and for the record people Lyndale spent several nights at my house with my boys..... they were in fact playing on the computer and video games. He was not out running the streets and commiting violent crimes and as a matter of fact I would rather my boys and their friends be at home doing those things so I know where the hell they are!!!
I remember one night the neighbors thought they heard a prowler so they called the might kindercare cops and they were checking it out... one walked around the house one way and the other one the other way and scared the hell out of each other!!! hell I don't know how half of the pass a damn physical
and oh one more thing.... they like to go to the station and clock in.... and then go sit at home... I know Ihave seen it
lil bit,
I am not a damn idiot!!!!! I asked the question because for as long as I have lived in marshall (32 yrs)I could not remember having a black officer and I wanted to know why not?? I guess I didn't make it clear that I think our mpd are the racist ones.
I am not racist. there are more colors in my family than in the damn rainbow and I couldn't be more proud of it!!!
Now, everyone please have a good evening
You go LIL BIT.. I left a comment, and it was some very good information and it got deleted..
dont you sorry people worry your nasty little heads the family of henderson is leaving this sorry bad cop infested town.matter of fact the whole state. dont even worry bout that they are goin as far away from this hell as they can get. its a shame that this is even allowed to go on and id not want to admit to bein a member of a community like this. the cops know they were wrong and dont be surprized if they arent put under investigation. to run a family out of a community is sick but thats just what you did. and hendersons family did make sure his education continued while he was locked up like an animal for over two years and he will finish school with a high school diploma. so for all you losers hoping for his downfall you cant stop him from rising above all this. henderson is a shining star and may god keep blessing him. he has no criminal background has never been in trouble until daniel berning walked into his life. and ruined what he had going for him. he came to henderson not the other way around henderson had a life without trouble while bernings whole life is full of trouble. im sure half of you running your mouth are felons hiding behind your stage names to cover your miserable lives. but the difference between you and henderson is he is a good person always has been and has never been a burden or trouble for this sorry sick community. he did not have a bad name he was not known for being a trouble maker and you have never ever heard or seen anything bad on his part in this nasty town. look at berning look at anderson whose not even from here but he has a file and its not all good. i feel sorry for all of you nasty people and i cant wait for the family of henderson to be able to pack up and get as far away from you hurtful people as they can. to the familys on both sides im sorry you are both goin thru this mess and to the law the dangerous ones are still walking free carlos lauderdale shawna smith and i bet theres others. just walkin free to do this again. if anyone is paying money for their freedom its them because they havent been arrested. things that make ya say hmmmmm! this will be the last response i put in this miserable section. i sit back and laugh at all of you immature sick people. the verdict was not guilty on all 6 counts why because he was not guilty from day one losers.
Every Family has junk in there trunk somewhere...
I guess i gave to much info... My comment got deleted..
for the record hendersons grandfather was a memeber of the marshall police department!!!!!!!!
he retired thats how long he was on the force you damn idiots get the facts straight. hendersons mothers father was a marshall mo police officer!!! oh yeah and by the way he was black! may he rest in peace and i hope his spirit is spared the sickness of whats goin on.
oh and by the way...... he is extremely dangerous. that is one reason I won't give names.
Karma. I am not going to post a name in this forum but anyone who has lived here for any length of time knows and he knows that everyone knows and he gets away with it. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT. This man supplying KIDS in this town with meth is CRAP. I hope maybe one day law enforcement will swoop in on is little operation.
Parachic, you made very valid points that maybe I did not take into consideration. However, they do pick on the same people over and over again.
WOW YOU GUYS REALLY NEED TO GROW UP THIS IS NO RACIAL ISSUE... HE WAS FOUND NOT GUILITY SO LET THE BOY LIVE HIS LIFE NOW... LIKE I SAID ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT REALLY HAPPNED THAT NIGHT AND WHO REALLY DID IT.. SO LET THE FAMILY'S REST OVER ALL OF THIS.. IM SURE ITS NOT EASY SEEING ALL THESE COMMENTS ON HERE FOR EITHER FAMILY.. LET IT GO PEOPLE AND MAKE MARSHALL A BETTER PLACE!!!!
luckymomma,
Almost everyweek the PD pull's drug's from a car, house, or person. One of the former police officer's who recently left was very pro-active in busting meth labs. Sure there are the well know's drugger's, but it's not like the police can bust into a house with out probable cause. If the mayor and the Chief of Police gave consent for all police officer's to raid the drug house's, that could take over a year. Also have to take into consideration of the Officer's well being. Meth lab's are extreamly dangerous, anhydrous is highly explosive and if an Officer was improperly trained on drug lab procedures, he could potentially harm himself and others. I agree that the drug issue need's to be handled more often but again the department is understaffed and honestly I am sure that not every officer there could detect a meth lab.
Luckymomma---I bet that there has never been a black person that has applied for an officer job, let alone gone to the police academy around here. If there were I'm sure we WOULD have some black police officers. Also, I'm wondering about who the drug dealer is that you speak of, so not everyone knows.
This is just a quick note: You people are acting like a bunch of grade school kids. Apparently there wasn't enough evidence, if any to convict him. Let it go. How can ANYBODY sit back and say.."this is a race thing" BULLCRAP. There is both a WHITE BOY AND A BLACK BOY IN JAIL FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE! Now how is that racist if both races are being punished for it??
Good luck Henderson
Good job Mrs. Fairchild
Citizens Of Marshall: Get A Life!
I'm not trying to convince anyone. If it was a BLACK thing, then I would be trying to get the WHITE kid out of jail. If it looks like a duck and quack's like a duck, and walks like a duck, then it's a duck!!I dont care if he's white,black, red or purple, if 4 people says he was there,and involved in it, then odds are he was was.Remember in the state of Texas more than three people witness a murder, then you get moved to the front row. I really hope this kid learns from this and makes something of himself and contrbute's to socetiy,and dont surround yourself with losers cause they will take you with them.Nothing would please me more then to read about this kid 5 years from now and hear that he has made a good life for his self and family.balls in his court, and that my friend is the BLACK and WHITE of it!!!!
All of these articles day after day have been reported about the trial, and whether or not he was guilty. What he was facing, the whole story behind it, every little detail, most incorrect. Even the paper itself has "hinted" that he was guilty. My question is how come now that he has been found innocent and has had his life given back to pick up the pieces and start over, there hasnt been one article about him. Nothing. No more has been said besides that he was found not guilty. Why hasnt there been any follow ups on the case. It seems to me like maybe they were hoping for the opposite verdict and decides to just forget the whole thing now. Well Iguess we can see what side they are on.
Response by Eric Crump/Editor:
We will have a story about Lyndale's reaction to the verdict. I couldn't get it written in time for yesterday's paper. Should be in today's paper.
Wasn't there a black deputy?? Mr. Woods Maybe, Not sure on that one..
Yeah, you're right about the WHITE drug dealer.. He got robed, got all his dope stole from him and he reported that he had been robed… The WHITE suspects were caught and had to pay back his cash that was taken… Hmmm sounds a little fishy to me… And wasn't Daniel Bernings uncle involved in this.. I believe he cracked the safe for the suspects… And nothing was done to the WHITE DRUG DEALER… And Bernings uncle didn't get charged with anything…
Misery finds misery and marshall people are miserable
Para chic, uninmportant lives?? Who gives you the right to judge others lives? You are just as stereotypical. You dont know anything about anyone of these people's lives no matter what they are commenting about. Also, you said maybe it will be our house next... what kind of person wishes that on someone. People like you put others down, when in reality you are worse than they are. No one else here has said anything about maybe it will be you next, Choose your words more wisely.
Very well said nightowl
para chic, The MPD is very biased. and here is a question? Has this town ever had a black police officer? Now don't get all mad..... I am simply asking because for as long as I have lived here I can't remember one. This department needs to quit sitting at home while on duty and go catch some adults in this town that have meth labs going...... and everyone in town knows one of the biggest drug dealers in this town and has been for over 25 years. yet nothing is done. go figure........
FYI for some of you folk's who don't have a clue, Marshall Police Dept is required to do a racial profiling after every car stop or pedestrian check. There is absolutly no bias at the department, I have know those folk's for a while and never have I ever heard anything un-true or unplesant. Every police department has their flaw's prime example Slater PD. As to bringing religion into politics, there will never be a happy ending. God, Buddha, or who ever you believe in did not influence those boy's into beating the Shepard's unconscious and burning the bodies. Yeah I don't remember reading that in the bible or hearing about the same conflict's in the Middle East. It's the truth folk's, believe it or not, you yourself make's good or bad decision's and that's the way ball bounces.
Henderson....guilty or not...good luck and make the most of your second chance.
To everyone else, make your own peace with this terrible situation. Everyone has an opinion and are going to be willing to express it over and over again.
To those who commented on Lyndale losing 2 years of his life, what about the family of the Shepherd's? They have lost out on the last 2 years as well and countless more. No more holidays, no more birthday parties, no more family dinners. Where is your sympathy for them?
The general public of Marshall will miss out on the numerous flags that they hung outside their door for each holiday, the easter eggs hanging from the tree in the front yard, the signs advertising the next treat the Tiny had prepared. The next patron will never get that Christmas angel. I am a resident of Marshall and will always remember these things about this wonderful couple even though I didn't know them personally. Two years doesn't seem that much to me. Forever is a lot longer time to lose something.
To each and everyone of you willing to condemn or praise this young man, stop for a minute to say a prayer for all the families involved. The Shepherds, Hendersons, Andersons, Bernings and the countless other family members and friends of all these people. In the end there is only one JUDGE and we all will have to answer to him some day.
17mizzou17, WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO CONVINCE IT IS NOT A BLACK THING? AND IT IS A NOT GUILTY THING!
Moody Blue, do you really think that Shauntay is Lyndale's sister. Where did you get your information? You need to do more research instead of promoting untruths.
I can clearly see where MPD rank's within the citizen's of Marshall. I wonder to how many of the blogger's who are complaining about the police actually took time out of their non-important lives and went to the trial. Although I will say that there were kindergarden mistakes on the Detective's part but they also busted their hump's to put a murderer behind bars. All I can say is what great role model's people are for the future generation of young folks. Be proud of yourselves for letting a criminal walk the line, mabey next time it will be your house.
It's not a BLACK thing, it's a GUILTY thing, (always playing the race card)
I can not believe that people want to compare Lyndale to O.J. Is it because he is black and accused of a double homicide? If so, it didn't fit so they had to acquit.
I want to add that reasonable doubt played the biggest role at this trial. I sure as heck would want that reasonable doubt if I was ever on trial and know everyone on this list would want the same rights. It's written into our legal system and I think that the result of the trial supports that system.
aj,
I think you are way off base. I grew up with 4 brothers and we had friends of theirs spending the night at our house almost every night. They definitely call it sleepovers, even as teenagers.
O.J. was innocent? that's funny, The best thing this kid did was set the room on fire to destroy the evidence and hire a good lawyer.Praise the lord all you want, I just pray he dont move into my neighborhood!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the real.... Very well said. Thank you
It's funny how all you guys say OJ and the Henderson kid is guilty when there was no physical evidence placing neither OJ nor the Henderson kid to the crime scenes. Some times when you really want something to be true, you will believe anything. The DA had a chance to prove these individuals were Guilty and they Did Not. FACTS ARE FACTS there was no physical evidence or finger prints placing OJ or the Henderson kid to the crime scenes. It funny how cops can Shoot and Kill harmless people and their punishment is doing paperwork or being placed Admin Leave with pay and no one make comments or a big deal about it. But you guys have the nerve to continue to judge to 2 people that were proven innocent by our judicial system; and still label them as killers now that's Amazing.
My question is if your family member was in OJ or the Henderson kid's shoes with the evidence that presented that clearly made them innocent would still feel they were guilty? I think not. Once again Facts Are Facts this is clearly a Black and White issue and you guys already had it made up in your minds that these individuals were Guilty before e they even went to trail. Maybe you should become Lawyers if felt you could have done a better of proven they were Guilty.
Henderson I truly hope you take advantage of your second chance at life and surround yourself around positive people that are productive in life and good citizens of society. They have labeled you as a failure and killer please don't prove right. Do something with life son and take advantage of GODS gift to you. You are innocent in my eyes and I will be praying for you.
My heart goes out to the family of deceased and I know GOD will deal with individuals who are responsible for their deaths.
To Shepard's support
You are so right. I am very sorry for your loss and I hope that one day you and your family may see some end to all this and can mourn your love ones in peace. I am so sure that there is more to the story but you know nothing will bring Tiny back and some things are just not for us to know. I love Lyndale and have stood with him over the past years and I know that he would not nor could not do something like this. I feel for all the families that are connected to this crime. The sad thing is that no matter what you will always have ppl that will put you down and try to judge you. I just want and hope that Lyndale keeps his head and realize that God put him here for a reason and just do His will.
AJ -
Who would have paid the jurors a "big fat check" to find him not guilty? I would think it couldn't have been Lyndale's family. I would think they would have found a better use for that money in bailing him out of jail so that he didn't have to spend all that time there before the trial?
Further debate of his guilt or innocence is a moot point - he was found not guilty. Furthermore, I highly doubt that the Marshall PD doesn't have anything better to do than to go around framing people for crimes or that people with a plea-bargin and still facing a maximum sentence would find any benefit in lying. As with most situations where the only people who know the truth are not available, the absolute probably lies somewhere between the stories.
Ok check this out AJ, for one "the extra mile"? Killing someone is going a little more than the extra mile. Lyndale was no where near desperate for money. If you paid attention berning asked him to help find someone to buy it. and for another you must not know lyndale he will be nice to anyone and if berning needed a place to stay lyndale would not turn him down. Berning was always staying somewhere. As for the jury getting paid???? Come on now get for real, ALL TWELVE OF THEM?? And not one said anything get for real!!!! They found him not guilty cuz he's not, He's not on trial anymore so leave him alone, Of course people like you cant do that. Its people like you that will be judged in the end, because you spend your entire life judging others. Let what is be and move on with your life. Dont you have something better to be doing??? Get a life.
Coming from someone who was extremely close to tiny i would just like to say that in a way i am happy cause henderson was my friend but in another way i want to ask how in the world did this happen? He told several people that he was driving the car until there were questions and now all of a sudden her changed his mind. Shauna smith had something to do with this i don't care what anyone says that girl knew my family as well as hers had money in that house and it is bull crap that she got away. doesn't anyone find it funny that she too hung out with these boys and she didn't like her grandmothers family. come on now common sense should pull a red flag on that one. So in a way i am happy for henderson cause i never wanted to belive it but in another im confused as to why so many stories and lies?
This is for all the ones that say boys not just have sleep overs. They just do not call it that. I have an older brother and I can remember many times that he had friends come over just to play on the game and they ended up spending the night. It was not that they was up to something.
justme:
I'm not sure if you went to high school or not, but I did, and I know that teenage boys don't just spend the night together. They especially wouldn't be staying the night together if they weren't close friends. Perhaps if there would be something eventful happening, they would stay at one another's house..but that usually does not involve sleeping, it involves doing something more, such as putting tractors in lakes, drinking all night, pulling pranks on people ...perhaps going to an older couples home, beating them to death and setting them on fire in hopes of some cash? I mean, a few hours earlier, they were ALL THREE trying to sell an XBOX in hopes of extra cash..even Henderson admitted that. So why not go the extra mile and kill some people for even more money, right? Only those there that night will know for sure what happened and that will be with them for the rest of their lives, convicted or not. And I do recall the jury getting to go home for the weekend..who's to say they couldn't have recieved a big fat check if they charged him not guilty? This goes back to the fact that people will do just about ANYTHING for money...It's just really hard for me, and a lot of others to believe that several major case squads, and an entire PD lied just so they could "get Henderson."
karma:
glad I'm not the only one noticing the ignorance on these boards!
So you think the MPD will take being showed up lightly? Think again.
First I would like to say Thank God. Thank God Thank God. If we all would take a look at ourself and our own short commings we would not have the time to cast judgement on Lyndale. I am not going to try an qoute the Bibile word for word but I do believe that it says DO NOT JUDGE!!
I love you Lyndale and I wish the best for you. Racheal you and I have been friends a long time and I know without God this would not have been possible. On This Day GOD SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!!!! Who would of thought you could get a fair trail in Marshall
MG 2008, excellent, well thought out comment. And Nomad, please pray to yourself, not us. We've got our own prayers.
I think this is a tragic case no matter how you look at it. Whether or not you feel that he was guilty, he was found NOT guilty of the crimes he was accused of. Two people lost their lives, 2 young men will spend a minimum of 30 years in prison for a measly $70, and another young man will be dogged by accusations of guilt for the rest of his life.
I wish Lyndale luck in the future, but my advice to him is to finish high school (if he hasn't already), and to move on with his life and as my daddy always says "keep your nose clean."
Justme1186 - it's "saw" the truth, not "seen."
Oh, and oldschool17 you are right...some of the "nicest people" are psycho...and I'm one of the first people to truly believe in God, but yeah leave him out of it on this one!
I dont care what anyone says if you have a bad name in marshall the police will be on your like white on rice. Bottom line. There is such a thing as called harassing and police do it. Or profiling and that is just as wrong. And this is for old school, obviously you didnt pay too much attention to the case. Luyndale was not best friends with these kids, just knew them. Yeah obviously they feel likes like he couldnt have done including the jury, What I dont understand is how this man was found not guilty yesterday by a jury of his peers, before a judge following all the proceedings of the law to a tee, but yet you all still have him on trial. If you have a problem with it, take it up with your justice system not him!! He did everything he was supposed to and he proved his innocence so let it be. He's no longer on trial and none of you are in the place to judge him. Were you there that night to see who was there? Has anyone ever thought that Berning was staying the night with Lyndale, left after he was asleep to meet up with Spencer, and Carlos who just happen to be cousins, and commit the crime ¿? And Carlos threatened that they better never mention his name and to say it was lyndale if they get caught since Berning was staying with him? Hmmmm no body ever thought of this. I dont understand why you can grasp the fact that this Berning kid is a murderer but cant even imagine him lying come on now, use some common sense.
I'm so sick of hearing people turn this trial into a black\white thing!!!! Give it up idiots! If the kid was found innocent, then leave it alone! Personally I think he just got lucky, but don't think people are going to look at him the same. He may not have touched that couple, but come on, he was an accomplice. Also, leave the MPD alone, I've had some run ins with them too, but they are just doing their JOB, and I think they did just that!
With all due respect "marshallmom67," the Marshall Police Dept has better things to do than to harass your step-daughter. Believe it or not crime is a huge factor in this town, we can first start off with the huge amount of drugs that are passed though the town, domestic's, call's for service, and so on. I agree that some of the police officer's may recognize a few faces but have you ever thought that those few might be frequest flyer's at the jail, or if you have lived in this place your whole life than it is to be expected that you know the majority of the population.
So the cops got the other two guys 100% right? No one is coming to their defense saying the police screwed that up. Yet everyone seems determined that this kid had no involvement? I won't say he was the man with the lighter or anything, but let's be honest with each other (oh and leave God out of this please!!) he's best friends with the other two, was seen wtih the other two that night, are you telling me you actually believe he had nothing to do with it at all? that's a croc, but he did spend two years in jail for it so that's better than nothing!! Oh and let's quit with the "i knew he couldn't do it because he's such a sweet boy i've known for years" pay attention to any murder trial and their's always 100 people who say he was the nicest boy in the world. Sometimes nice people are really psycho!!!
This is for all of you who are saying your comments toward "justme11". She happens to be my stepdaughter and she has been harrassed by the marshall pd but only because of other family members names. That is how it works in this small town. This girl is in college,works,has her own place,etc... Once again judging without knowing the whole story just like with Lyndale(thank god the jury seen he was innocent}. Thats the problem in this world everyone is so judgemental. There is only one who should judge and thats GOD and none of you are him. Keep your head up daughter we are proud of you
I have to give all of this a hand, if it wasn't for Sherlock Harlow these kid's would have never been a thought in anybody's mind. Surely the Detective's of Marshall Police Department would have known to secure the crime scene and take a few days to process the house. Sure it doesn't look as easy as it does on TV but were talking two middle aged people burned up in their bedroom, come on they wern't having a BBQ, so heck yes it's suspicious. As for our Clay County participant's, can you even find your own six o'clock without using a map. Guess we found out the answer to that question at about 4PM this afternoon.
I don't know about you all but having only 2 out of the 3 murderers behind bars isn't very satisfying. Guess its time to start baracading the doors at night and sleeping with my little friend beside my bed at night within arms reach cause theres still at least one murderer still roaming the streets of marshall. But he was dumb enough to get caught once he'll screw up again. Lets just hope it doesn't cost someone else a life.
hey laura1 you said he lost two years of his life well two lost there life for every
Did someone say "sweet plea bargain" how is going to prison for the rest of your life a bargain? Heck stick a needle in me instead, fry me...forget about waking up everyday in a cage knowing that you will never be free to do anything that free people get to do again EVER. I bet it would be a wonderful life having to fend off 300lb gorillas to keep my back door virginity.
This case was about nothing more than evidence, which unfortunately there was none other than some witness statements from already convicted murderers. With wonderful shows like CSI any D.A. (no that doesn't stand for District Attorney) knows what kind of evidence the police look for and can take appropriate steps to prevent evidence from being left behind. Keep in mind that the other two murders could have been in the same boat as Henderson(walking free) if they didn't provide confessions.
Unfortunately there was just not any physical evidence to give the jurors the proof beyond a reasonable doubt that they needed to convict...but I hope you will remember little things like Henderson's admitted testimony to being at the high school parking lot with Berning, like them supposedly spending the night at the house together the same night of the murders. Henderson falling asleep with Berning there and waking up with Berning there (yeh right). Berning left the house without any mention to his friend Henderson where he was going??? If Henderson wasn't there and you think in the real world that Berning wouldn't have come back that night and there would not have been some mention of the gruesome events to Henderson at least when he came back to the house or as they were walking around together afterwards then common sense has left you. These boys weren't strangers, they were friends. If something sounds to good to be true then it usually is.
im sick of every body dogging the MPD they do there job very well you who b@#$$%^%$ing are prolly trouble maker and that why you dont like them im sure they caught the right ones and the people turn them lose
I was soooo thankful to hear that Lyndale was acquitted. He spent the night with my son when we lived in Marshall. He was one of the most polite and respectful kids I have known. He woke up early on Saturday to go home to do his chores. My own kids lay sleeping without a notion of getting up less known to do chores. God Bless You and your family Lyndale. Hold your head up, and show the nay sayers what your are truly about.
Justme1186,
Yeah it's a bad deal when you make a bad name for yourself and the police know who you are isn't it. The easiest thing to do is not make a name for yourself and the police will leave you alone. The Marshall Police are worthless until you need them, right? When someone is trying to break into your house or one of your family members need help, huh. The Police are always the bad guys until you need one of them and then you can't thank them enough.
Your probably one of those people out walking the street late at night looking for trouble.
They say killing someone is like a drug. Once you kill you can not quit. So we'll see if any other homicides will take place here in Marshall!
WOW I DONT KNOW HOW TO RESPOND TO ANY OF THIS!! ONLY GOD KNOWS WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH AND REALLY HAPPNED THAT NIGHT!
Has anyone thought that maybe the other 2 boys were the smart ones?? This is the way it seems to me: 2 boys committ horrific crimes, they wont blame each other and they wont blame themselves, so all thats left is Henderson. They get a sweet plea bargin offer and jumped. Henderson on the other hand was not going to admit to something he did not do. Would you???
I was convinced Henderson was guilty until I saw the evidence presented. There was none, just a whole lot of he said she said, nobodys sure type of evidence. I know that if I were a juror, I could not have thrown this childs life away based on he said she said. What is sad is that Henderson has lost 2 very critical years in life, years that he will never get back. Is this fair? Do we just say "Oh well, guess for the last 2 years you've been telling us the truth, Sorry. You can go on with your life now" I feel for the 3 victims in this matter, Mr. and Mrs Shepard and Henderson.
I agree with the OJ comparision. This is affecting Marshall as the OJ trial did the whole US. Divided loyalties and LOTS of heated opinions.
Reasonable doubt, maybe. Logical, absolutely not. Justice isn't about logic though. Why would 2 guys already facing most of their adult lives in prison need to lie? If he wasn't involved, what would either of them have to gain by implicating him in the first place? Their deal was for TRUTHFUL testimony, not fabricated. I think we got that. EVERYONE lied about their part in this, at one time or another.
Marshall PD faced a once-in-a-lifetime case and made mistakes. Not recording interviews was a biggy. That doesn't mean they are out to create a case where there wasn't one.
My sympathy to the Shepard family and everyone that worked so hard for justice. Sometimes we don't see the result we want but everyone gets theirs when it really counts. God Bless!
It's an unfortuate situation. For a fact, only a handful of people will truly know the truth.
Justice will be served, either in this life, or the next.
I suggest till then, get your concealed carry permits, burgular alarm, and dead bolt doors, and board windows. More is at work in Marshall, than what many choose to see.
Drive around Marshall once it gets dark. Thugs crawl out of the woodwork like roaches. The police are stretched to the limit, lack of support from parents, schools, and the legal system make their job more difficult.
Anyone asking how to prevent it from happening again? The kid was found innocent, OJ perhaps, but innocent until proven guilty.
How innocent was his lawyer ??????????????
Just think..... I wish it was that simple, Marshall not hold grudges?? Yeah right Lyndale will be looked down up on for this for the rest of his life by ignorant people that know no better. All i can say is he has his family and friends and we will be here til the end.
He probably had his head bowed praying that the jury would see he was innocent, he knew he he was but it was convincing twelve others that he was, and he did so leave it at that
Marshall police department is tainted and they do "pick people out" because of who they are. I had a cop specifically tell the judge he pulled me over because he recognized me and knew me. What kind of bull is that? The judge told him that he couldnt profile and dismissed my case! So if a marshall judge sees it why cant any one else?
Cutler06
We can only imagine what kind of job that would be!!!
I knew they would let him go, and they seen the truth, God was with him and his family and has listened to all our prayers!!! For all the negative comments take them somewhere else, they verdict has been reached and for a reason, so be it.
Nevergiveup,
Well said!!!
aj
In response.....it is called prayer. I know if i had been accused and was not guilty sitting in that chair awaitig the verdict I would be praying too.
Now remember guyz, he was found innocent so lets not shun him or anything else...Just welcome him back in to town...That was 2 years of his life that got wasted...He lost so much...This is Marshall and we are not a community to hold grudges or anything else...Remember we are getting judged every day and God sees all...Pray for both families....Justice was served today
could be a race thing there is alot of that gose on in this worldtoday i would hope not i hope justice would be sreved no matter what .
PRAISE GOD for answered prayer. THANKS to the family and friends for standing by and supporting Lyndale for over two long heart-wrenching years. GRADITUDE to a jury who could not be bought or swayed by the Marshall Police and investigators, and to the accused who would not be threatened to plea bargain when he knew he was innocent. Regardless of the so called "bad Hendersons", I have known Lyndale since my first grandson was born. He stayed in my home many times throughout his early years and teens. Always polite and kind and respectful. Never once have I ever believed he was guilty or capable of murder. Perfect? NO WAY! Wrong friends and a difficult homelife--YOU BET!!! TARGET OF MPD discrimination? Highly Likely.
In the old testiment we can read about a father whose sins caused his entire family to perish even though they were not guilty. I live by the laws of the New Testament--and my GOD loves those "BAD Hendersons just as much as those "GOOD Hendersons. PEACE, LOVE and GRACE to you Lyndale, and may you find friends who can love and support you through the difficult days ahead (people are cruel and unforgiving) I hope this all will be a lesson for you to choose your friends carefully and to straighten your life out and live a life for the Lord. Justice doesn't always prevail with the truth--but the final truth will be affirmed again someday when you stand before the GREAT JUDGE. You have been found not guilty today. Live your future life so that you are also found NOT GUILTY of anything when the final day of judgment comes. GOOD LUCK--you will continue to be in the prayers of our family.
To the family and friends of the Shephards, I knew them both and they were wonderful people. The angels all around Marshall and surrounding areas are a constant reminder of their lives. I'm sorry for their tragic deaths. I hope that you are someday able to forgive those who are guilty of the murders. Our prayers go out to you also. Here in this life we see only a part, but someday we shall see everything clearly.
what!!! Every one knows that he is guilty and should not be walking as a free man. He should just move to another state cause no one is going to feel safe with him walking around the same town that he killed someone in. If he got set free then the Burning kid might as well be set free too. In one of Hendersons statements he stated that Burning was with him all night at his house so they didnt do it. That there shows that he is a LIAR!!! Oh well just like 17mizzou17 stated he will be back in the pokey real soon. Where is the JUSTICE?
"Henderson sat with his head bowed, hands over his eyes while the jury filed in."...would a free man bow his head awaiting a verdict? No, only a man who knows he is guilty and is afraid there's a chance his lies will be exposed to the public, would bow his head.
Are you kidding me!!! everyone knows hes guilty if they let him out then they should let burning kid go to cause in one of lyndales statements he said that burning was witback in the poh him all night at his so right there shows that he is nothing but a liar. Like17mizzou17 said he will be back in the pokey real soon, with bubba
I believe there are sayings about how things always come full circle, people who deserve to get theirs, will. I hope Mr. Henderson leads a productive life, but I doubt he will. He has no chance in this community unless he is a saint, and we know he's not. Maybe uncle Claudie can give him a job. Maybe he should just move far away.
Oh, and everyone, lock those windows tonight, I know mine will be. God help 'em if they come in my house, as though won't be walkin' out.
And how come the other two that were named during this so called trial arent in Wally's Hilton?
Are you freakin kidding me, it's like the OJ trial all over again, I bet you think he was not guilty also. They had two witneses that put him there, and his so called alibi's couldnt even get their story's straight? Where did they get this jury? L.A. Oh well, it's not like this will be the last time he's in trouble, I'm betting he will back to the pokey real soon,
People commit haneous crimes everyday, and their friends and family swear up and down that they didn't do it. It doesn't matter how well you know a person or not, people are able to commit things others can't possibly see them doing.
Also, many guilty people DON'T confess either. So that comment is irrelavent. Like I said, why would those who confessed, which I just heard that Spencer backed out of his confession so pardon me for that mistake, implicate a person who is not guilty? What do they have to gain from it? The deal was, they tell the truth against Henderson for a lesser sentence, if they lie, they don't get the lesser sentence.
So basically what I am being told is that I must KNOW someone to form a conclusion as to whether or not they are guilty?
If that's the case, then I'm not sure how the jury could have found him either guilty or innocent -- excuse me, not guilty. They don't know him either. And from what I have read, Henderson's lawyer painted the police as a bunch of idiot liars. Way to go. And YES, I have dealt with the MPD many times. My father used to be a police officer in town, so thanks again for that, but it won't work with me. Like I said, its very easy to paint the police as the corrupt bad guys who are out to get the little people..
I like how you are quick to point the finger to the neice of the deceased, but good ol' Lyndale, don't point the finger at him, right?
Hopefully this young man can get past all the negative that has been said about him and lead a worthwhile and productive life from here on out. God be with you Mr. Henderson. I will pray that trouble never follow's you or you never follow trouble.
Happy2bgone... do just that & BE GONE!
Your negativity will not prevail~ THIS DAY.
I don't know this boy. I know his family, some good/ some not... cast your stone and be pummilled by your family's shadows.
In response to MG2008 comments, do you know Lydale Henderson? If you did, you'd know that young man is not a murderer. Justice was served today.
Oh My Gosh, If you weren't guilty would you confess?? The TWO that DID the CRIME, which I know one of them to be a very sick individual, are going to pay for what they did... And their might even be others that pay for this also.. Have you ever dealt with the Marshall Police department?? Maybe you need to ask the family member where her heart is?? Evidently it wasn't with her aunt and uncle... The jury must have believed his lawyer, or they wouldn't have found him not guilty...
I find it odd that 2/3 of those who were arrested in this case PLEAD guilty, but the one who went to trial everyone seems to think is innocent? Just because you get a not guilty verdict does not mean you are innocent. I find it truely odd that people seem to think our system is so tainted, as in the defense pretty much putting the cops on trial because they are liars, but where is the justice for the family of the murder victims and the victims themselves? Yeah, he was found not guilty because he had a lawyer who painted everyone in the case a liar BUT Henderson. It just blows my mind that he is found not guilty when the two other suspects confess and plead guilty, etc. but their testimony isn't good enough?
Thank you, LORD, for your guidence in this trial. LORD, please continue your guidence for all people who are touched by this outcome.
In JESUS' name I pray,
AMEN-
GOD bless you Lynndale and your family. May the LORD continue to be with you and shed the darkness that has bestowed your name.
Its good to see the system working. Congradulations to the defendent and I hope he can now go forward with his life and put this trial behind him.
Thanks also the Jury for a job well done! Justice has prevailed.