Verdict Reached in Rodney Reaves Trial

Feb 18, 2009 - 14:44
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Wednesday, jurors found Rodney Reaves guilty of four counts of cruelty to children and one count of murder/aggravated battery. The Henry County man was accused in the 2003 beating death of his daughter, Joella.

The jury found Reaves not guilty of malice murder or felony murder.

 

When we last saw murder suspect Rodney Reaves, he was lashing out against prosecutors.

Prosecutors said the former navy recruiter and his wife Charlott tied up Reaves' daughter Joella in the garage of the family's Stockbridge home and beat the 11-year-old for five days.

 

Reaves' lawyer puts the blame on the step wife, saying his client was out of town during some of the time when the alleged beating happened.

 

The defense admits Reaves helped his wife spank Joella in the past but claims he wasn't around when the fatal blows were delivered.

 

However, prosecutors maintain Reaves not only knew what was taking place in the garage but also participated in the murder of his own daughter.

Charlott Reaves has also been charged in connection with Joella's death. Her trial is scheduled for April.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.