Jury returns guilty murder verdict in 30 minutes

MCDONOUGH, GA – A Henry County jury deliberated for about 30 minutes Thursday night before finding a Hampton man guilty of murdering his wife.

Joseph Andrew Felton Jr., 51, was convicted of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault.

Henry County Superior Court Judge Holly W. Veal sentenced Felton to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The jury found Felton killed his wife, Sheray Felton, in March of 2014 by repeatedly striking her and stabbing her, causing multiple blunt force and sharp force injuries to her head and torso.

Felton then fled to Chicago, where he was arrested on March 16, 2014 after a police chase and an hours-long standoff with police.

Officers and family members found Sheray Felton, 39, dead inside the couple’s Hampton home. Family members called police after she didn’t return multiple phone calls and did not show up at the airport to pick them up.

“We are pleased that the defendant has been held accountable for his brutal act of domestic violence against Sheray Felton,” District Attorney Darius Pattillo said. “We hope that this verdict gives Ms. Felton’s family some sense of relief and closure as they grieve and continue to heal.”

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Deborah Venuto, Assistant District Attorney Brittany Forester, and the District Attorney’s Homicide and Gang Unit.

For media inquiries or Open Records Requests, contact:

Megan L. Matteucci

Assistant District Attorney and Public Information Officer
Henry County District Attorney’s Office
770-288-7519
mmatteucci@co.henry.ga.us