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 Lyndale D. Henderson, right, gets a hug from his sister, Shani, Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, as family and friends gathered at Handy Chapel in Marshall to give thanks for his release from custody after a jury found him not guilty on murder and other charges earlier that day. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] |
They complied with Judge Robert L. Koffman's admonition about outbursts, but outside the courtroom, their joy was evident.
The mood at Handy Chapel in Marshall less than three hours later, where Henderson's supporters gathered to give thanks for his release, was a bit more subdued as the jury's decision began to sink in and relief was tinged with sadness as several recalled the ordeal the Shepard family has been through during the trial.
In a brief interview, some of Henderson's first words were for the Shepard family.
"I'm sorry for their loss," he said. "I wouldn't wish that on anybody."
He also discussed how he felt during the tense moments before the jury's verdict was read, when he wasn't sure whether he would be acquitted or face prison time for one or more of the six felony charges against him that included first-degree murder, arson, burglary and armed criminal action.
"I asked my attorneys if I could pray," he said, and he sat with head bowed while the jury filed into the courtroom. "And now I'm just thanking Him."
He said the two years, seven months and seven days he spent in jail awaiting trial were tough to handle.
"What made it worse was knowing I was innocent," he said.
But if there was any bright side to spending time in jail, it was time for reflection, he said.
"It opens up your mind," which is good, although admittedly "it's not the way you want to do it," he said.
It was still early for specific plans, but Henderson said his first priority will be to complete his high school education, either by returning to school or taking the GED test.
His school career was disrupted but not entirely interrupted by charges brought against him. He had a tutor visit him in jail for about 19 of the 31 months he was in jail.
When asked what lessons can be taken from his experience, he said he learned to have more care choosing his associates.
It was his connections to Daniel Berning and Spencer Anderson, each of whom admitted taking part in the Shepard murders and are facing long prison terms, that led to Henderson's implication in the crime.
His mother, Rachel Stewart, attributed her son's entanglement in the case to his "big heart."
"He'll help anybody," she said.
Henderson testified that he was with Berning the night of the murders, helping him sell an Xbox.
"I know what I've got to do now," Henderson said. "I'm going to hang out with my family and my church."
He also learned from seeing a murder trial up close that the process is much different than people might think.
"All the things you see on TV -- it's not like that," he said. "You don't see what it does to both sides."
Another difference with TV versions: "They always get the right one."
And that leads to another lesson, one he hopes the community is willing to learn.
"Don't be too quick to judge."
Contact Eric Crump at
CORRECTION-- Lyndale D. Henderson, right, gets a hug from his sister, Shani, Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, as family and friends gathered at Handy Chapel in Marshall to give thanks for his release from custody after a jury found him not guilty on murder and other >>chartges<< earlier that day.
Charges ?
Henderson's family and friends have stood by him from the first news of the crime and arrests. No one gets a second chance or forgiveness in Marshall unless you are of a select group of the elite in town. How many black elites does Marshall have??? Predjudice may not be on the race issue, but certainly on the "Henderson" name issue. If you want to congratulate Lyndale's father you'll find him in prison somewhere. But guess what--he is still loved and prayed for to.
What amazes me is that I know a lot about the youngest convicted boy, and neither his family or anyone connected to him or ANderson showed support for them. What saddens me is they will spend many years in prison and will do so without any family support. They admitted their guilt and will serve their sentence for thier crimes. How sad it ever happened in the first place. The Shephard families reputation is not untainted either--But the victims were wonderful, kind and talented people, (his angels are beautiful and her Coconut cream pies were the greatest!!!) It a horrible situation for everyone. Can't you people in Marshall just try to get over your hate long enough to pray for all those that hurt today over this. Rich and Poor--Black and White--Old and Young--Intelligent and those lacking it is time to JUST GIVE IT A REST!!!!!!!!
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.
HENDERSONS FAMILY ARE NOT MONEY HUNGRY PEOPLE AND IF ANYTHING THEY JUST WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE AND TO MOVE ON WITH THEIR LIVES. BESIDES THEYVE ALREADY DONE HIM WRONG IN THIS TOWN AND IF COMPENSATION WAS AN ISSUE THEY WOULDNT GIVE IT TO HIM. WHAT THEY DO IS RUIN A PERSONS LIFE TAKE FROM THEM WHAT THEY CANT GET BACK AND WHEN THEY ARE WRONG THEY JUST MOVE ON AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. BUT I MUST SAY THE WAY THINGS WERE DONE AND THE THINGS THAT WERE SAID IN COURT WELL I THINK MAYBE THE OFFICIALS WHO INVESTIGATED THIS CASE NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED THEMSELVES. BUT ANYWAY ITS DONE ITS FINALLY OVER AND I JUST WISH THE REST OF THE TOWN WOULD MOVE ON. YOU DONT SEE THIS FAMILY TRYING TO GET ANYTHING SO STOP WITH THE WHOLE COMPENSATION MESS ALL THOUGH I THINK ITS WELL DESERVED SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE LOST ALOT INCLUDING JOBS BLESS HIS MOTHER SHE STRUGGLES NOW AND ITS A SHAME THAT AS SOME OF US CAN SEE A JOB IN THIS TOWN IS OUT OF THE QUESTION HERE FOR HER. WHAT A SHAME. SHES ALWAYS WORKED HARD AND ALWAYS HAD A JOB NOW SHELL HAVE TO LEAVE BECAUSE WORK SHE WONT GET HERE JUST SICKENING.
This case seems reminiscent of the O.J. Simpson case. I wonder if the family will file a wrongful death civil suit as was done in the Simpson case. I don't remember Simpson having any witnesses to him being seen at the scene and he was found guilty on the civil side. Of course Simpson had money, so other than to make a point, it would probably be like trying to squeeze water from a rock.
In criminal law, an acquittal is a verdict of not guilty, or some similar end of the proceeding that terminates it with prejudice without a verdict of guilty being entered against the accused. The opposite result is a conviction.
In the common law tradition, an acquittal formally certifies the innocence of the accused, as far as the criminal law is concerned.
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..
Then maybe you should pay him
The facts: he was NOT found innocent, he was indeed found "not guilty". The big difference is there were not enough facts to support a guity verdict. That does not make him innocent but it doesn't make him guilty either. Facts people facts!
He doesnt deserve any money, 4 out of the 5 people involved said he was there.Thats not the taxpayers fault.
-- Posted by 17mizzou17 on Fri, Oct 3, 2008, at 12:09 PM
12 out of 12 found him innocent...I find the 12 more credible.
He doesnt deserve any money, 4 out of the 5 people involved said he was there.Thats not the taxpayers fault.
"The bill would give the person seeking payment two years to apply for compensation after a judge vacates, reverses or dismisses criminal charges based on clear and convincing evidence of innocence."
I dont' think this would apply - he was aquitted, the judge did not dismiss, vacate or reverse charges.
Good Luck Mr. Henderson - keep your head clear!
WOW!! 2years, 7months, 7days of incarceration for a crime he did'nt do. Try sitting in your closet for that amount of time...hell, try it for a day and you'll get the picture.
Surley the state of Missouri offers some form of compensation for a mistake this horrific? (even though nothing can replace days/years lost)
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/conten...
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE ONES THAT HAVE SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY JUST KEEP IT TO YOURSELF NOONE WANTS TO HEAR IT NOR DO WE CARE. LYNDALE IS A FREE MAN AND AND HE HAS NOTHING TO PROVE TO NOBODY BUT HIMSELF. I TRUELY BELIEVE IF YOU KEEP THIS NEGATIVE TALK UP YOU ARE ONLY HURTING YOUSELF
Mr Johnson?? Its Henderson.... why do people make comments about stuff they dont pay attention to?
"KARMA IS REAL" WHO IS "MR. JOHNSON"?
Marshallmom67---You know what, I think the news staff did the RIGHT thing by having a bigger article on Mr. Harlow and NOT MORE about the "innocent man." Leave it alone! The trial is over so move on...I think by putting other stuff out there it starts to put the trial and grief of some in the past. It's people like you that keep this stuff going! Mr. Johnson, I too believe that this must be your second chance...so use it and make something of yourself! Everything happens for a reason.
Or deleted!
How was my comment negative? Mine was all facts, he is NOT a hero all he did was beat a murder charge. I beat a traffic ticket once and I was guilty should I get put on the front page of the paper?,NO. Are you people trying to make a role model of this guy? He beat a murder charge thats it. He is not a role model and shouldn't be, it sickens me he made the front page, slow news day I guess. Delete me if you want but the facts won't change, that is all he did was beat that charge of murder, thats it nothing else and those facts can't be changed or twisted.
That was a crock of crap to remove my comment. That is sad that moodyblue and lovesbacon can talk you know what but when someone speaks up it gets removed. Thanks Eric! I think that their negative comments should be removed as well.
I've deleted a number of comments made to various stories about the trial in recent days, but I've let stand quite a few comments that were questionable -- from both sides -- in the interest of letting everyone air their views on a situation that matters a great deal to this community.
But I think most people who have something to say have said it. It's clear that some people fully support Lyndale Henderson and think he's innocent as confirmed by the jury. Some people still believe he's guilty and aren't convinced by the verdict. There are variations on those themes, but at this point, I'm not sure much can be gained by stating and restating the same things over and over.
I have no doubt that this crime will be on our minds for a long, long while, and discussion about it will spring up again. But for now, maybe it's time to let it go for a while.
I wish Mr. Henderson the best in life. This case came down to nothing but lack of evidence. It is our countries legal system to trial by jury, to be judged by your peers. The jury in this case had a very hard job to complete. Now, it is our jobs as citizens to uphold the ruling of not guilty and quit judging Henderson. Henderson lived 2 years of hell in jail for a crime he did not commit--he was found NOT GUILTY by our peers. My question is: What about the other two? Their testimony was obviously not truthful, will their plea bargain be taken off the table, or do they just get the lesser sentence anyways?
Lyndayle, I've known you for quite sometime young man. You grew up with my sons Brent and Charles. I never doubted your innocence for a second. Stay on the path you have chosen and achieve all your goals. You can do it. God Bless and congrats.
WOW.........IMAGINE THAT THERE IS A BIGGER ARTICLE ON WILLIE HARLOW AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT THAN THERE IS ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF AN INNOCENT MAN.THEN PEOPLE WANT TO TALK ABOUT WHO PEOPLE ARE,NATIONALITY,THERE NAME IN MARSHALL,ETC....THERE WAS PLENTY TO BE TAKED ABOUT WHEN PEOPLE THOUGHT LYNDALE WAS GUILTY.
I would post a comment, but anything other than praising the lord for his release would be deleted anyway....
Lyndale we are happy to hear you are going back to school! Show those who doubt you that they are wrong! You have been given a second chance be wise with your choices and know that you have many friends who love you and support you! Best wishes.
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.
Thank you for putting this, He deserves some good around his name. He's right the community does need to learn this.