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Updated: 9:24 PM Feb 25, 2010
Judge adds 100 yrs to Cobbins' life sentence
A Knox County judge sentenced Letalvis Cobbins to 100 years in prison Thursday on additional convictions related to the carjacking, kidnapping rape and murders of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, in January 2007. Cobbins is already serving a sentence of life without parole for his role in the killings.
Posted: 10:10 AM Feb 25, 2010 |
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A Knox County judge has sentenced Letalvis Cobbins to 100 years in prison Thursday on additional criminal counts related to the murders of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, in January 2007.
"This case ranks with the worst of the worst," Judge Richard Baumgartner said at an additional sentencing hearing
Baumgartner said the brutality against Christian and Newsom "defies logic and humanity."
In August 2009, a Davidson County jury sentenced Cobbins to life in prison without parole for killing Christian and facilitating Newsom's death.
Judge Baumgartner tacked on the additional prison time for crimes committed against the couple before the killing, which included kidnapping, robbery, and rape.
The Christian and Newsom families both read victim impact statements, urging the read to impose the maximum sentence possible.
The families describe the hurt and heartache that haunts them daily.
"I hate you. I hate your soul. That's what you left me with," Channon's father Gary Christian said to Cobbins.
"Mr. Cobbins will never suffer as much as I have. I'm haunted every day by the image of my beautiful son, lying naked on the railroad tracks. No one should ever have to die that way," Chris' mother Mary Newsom said.
But Chris' father, Hugh Newsom, unexpectedly presented Cobbins with an opportunity.
"All you have to do is tell the truth," Newsom said.
Newsom urged Cobbins to testify against Eric Boyd.
Boyd is currently serving time in federal prison after he was convicted as an accessory after the fact in 2008.
However, Cobbins said during his own trial Boyd was a more actively involved in the killings, something authorities haven't been able to charge.
"We need to put Eric Boyd away for life also because he played a major role in this crime spree," Newsom told Volunteer TV.
In exchange for the help Newsom told Cobbins he'd ask the media to give Cobbins the chance to "become a hero in being a spokesperson for the children" who grow up in similar environments.
"Telling kids....crime isn't the answer. Go to school and get a good education. You can do that," Newsom said.
"We got a deal," he asked Cobbins.
Cobbins didn't verbally respond in court.
The Christians supported the offer, but were skeptical Cobbins would testify against Boyd.
"I liked it," Gary Christian said.
"[Cobbins] didn't want to come forward three years ago. He's not going to come forward now," Channon's mother Deena Christian said.
Cobbins defense attorney wouldn't comment about Newsom's offer, but did say anything official would have to come from prosecutors.
The Knox County District Attorney's Office also declined to comment about the proposition to Volunteer TV News.
You can read the verdict forms HERE. (Jury's verdicts in bold.)
