Two defendants in Albany motel stabbing death found guilty of murder

ALBANY — Louis Floyd Jr. and his co-defendant Tara Lee Herrell were found guilty by a Dougherty County Superior Court jury on Wednesday in the August 2013 stabbing death of William Jackson at the Dollar Inn on North Slappey Boulevard.

Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards said on Thursday that the jury deliberated some five hours before returning the verdicts.

According to Edwards, Floyd was found guilty on one count each of felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife in the commission of a crime. Harrell also was found guilty of single counts each of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, but was found not guilty of malice murder.

Following the announcement of the verdicts, Herrell was remanded into custody and transported to the Dougherty County Jail, Edwards said. Floyd, however, remains free on bond.

“Over the objections of the state, Judge (Willie) Lockette allowed Floyd to remain free on bond for the time being,” Edwards said.

A date for the sentencing of Floyd and Herrell will be set by the court, Edwards said. According to officials, the defendants will be sentenced to life in prison, either with the possibility of parole or without.