The Clinton Daily Democrat stopped by the Henry County Prosecuting office to inquire about recent and upcoming cases. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray said that a deposition hearing in the matter of Colby Thornton was to be held last week, although the defendant was not to be present for the hearing (COVID, procedural matters). Thornton is currently in custody.
The case stems from an incident two years ago and has been delayed because there was some question as to whether he would be tried as an adult. Thornton, who was 17 at the time, would, under recent changes in the law, not qualify to be tried as an adult. However, the laws in place at the time of the alleged crime (holding him accountable) are the ones to be enforced.
It is alleged that Thornton broke into a home of an elderly woman (in the Calhoun area) with the intent to steal from her, and while committing the burglary also sexually assaulted her. The victim is, at present, distant from the trial venue complicating matters even more, and is in poor health. Also relevant is that the case will be tried in St. Clair County (a change of venue was asked for and granted); the trial is set for May 11, 2022.
