Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 4, 1993 TAG: 9312040231
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: southwest bureau
DATELINE: ABINGDON LENGTH: Short
Jason E. Talbert also was found guilty of armed robbery and on two charges of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Sentencing is pending in Washington County Circuit Court.
Talbert and Jonathan D. Coleman, now 16, were arrested after the Nov. 11, 1992, death of Gina Johnson Anderson.
Coleman, whose statement was the major evidence against Talbert at his trial this week, pleaded guilty earlier to being an accessory to murder and armed robbery. He was sentenced to 42 years in prison.
Coleman told authorities he and Talbert had gone to Anderson's house to steal her car, and that Talbert pulled out a pistol when they found the woman was at home. He said she struggled with Talbert and he shot her.
He said he and Talbert took Anderson's car, having planned to leave the state, but decided to return after they reached Bristol. The car was later found abandoned.
Both boys had been students at Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring.
Talbert pleaded innocent to all the charges. He did not testify. Some of his relatives testified that he was home most of the day when the murder occurred.
His attorney said the jury verdicts would be appealed.
by CNB