Trial Delayed for Henry County Man Accused of Attempted Murder and Nearly Decapitating Woman

A Henry County man, Anthony Jerome Hairston, was scheduled to go on trial for attempted murder after allegedly nearly decapitating a woman. However, the charges were dismissed on Monday, including attempted murder, but have been refiled so Hairston will still face trial.

Martinsville Commonwealth’s Attorney Andrew Hall clarified that Hairston was never going to be released, despite the dismissal of charges. The police found fresh bloodstains in Hairston’s vehicle, which were confirmed to be from the victim. However, the blood test results are not admissible in court until they are tested by the state lab, which is expected to take until late July.

Hall expressed the importance of having the blood test results as evidence in court, as juries often favor CSI evidence. Hairston’s attorney, Elmer Woodard, did not agree to a continuance, leading to the charges being dismissed and then refiled using a warrant.

The incident occurred on September 5 at an apartment in Martinsville, where the victim, Sherri Lynn Horsley, was found with her throat cut and blood throughout the apartment. Despite her injuries, Horsley was still alive when paramedics arrived.

Horsley testified in a preliminary hearing, stating that Hairston had come to her apartment early in the morning and they had a conversation. She then saw Hairston leave with a friend, but let them back in later. That’s when Hairston allegedly started choking her and she felt something sticking her in the neck. Horsley collapsed and heard Hairston say, “This bitch ain’t getting off that easy.” She was found lying in a pool of her own blood in the kitchen.

The dismissal and subsequent refile of charges will provide the prosecution with crucial evidence, as the victim claims she has never been in Hairston’s vehicle, yet there was blood on both the victim and Hairston. The trial is yet to be scheduled, pending the results of the blood test from the state lab..