Suspects Found Guilty In Murder Of Kelly Hunnewell

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — A jury took less than three hours to convict Lorenzo Young and Trenton Barnes of murder, kidnapping, burglary, and attempted armed robbery. Lorenzo Young and Trenton Barnes were convicted Wednesday of murdering Midlands mother, Kelly Hunnewell in July 2013. Hunnewell was working at an off-site bakery, on Tommy Circle, when she was killed. For the first time, some of Hunnewell’s children joined her mother and brother inside the courtroom Wednesday. A family spokesperson read a letter, written by Hunnewell’s oldest daughter Amber, during sentencing. Parts of the letter include: “To my mother’s killer, thank you for taking every piece of love I ever had,” and “I do not want you to get the death penalty. I want you to rot in jail.” Also in the courtroom were the mothers of Young and Barnes. Young was sentenced to life without parole for Hunnewell’s murder. In addition, Young was sentenced to 15 years for Burglary 2nd degree and 20 years for attempted armed robbery. Barnes will likely be sentenced next Tuesday. His attorney, Mark Schnee asked for a separate hearing where potential testimony from Barnes’ school teachers could be heard. He could also undergo a mental health evaluation. Testimony in the trial lasted five days, spanning two work weeks. Neither Young nor Barnes’ defense teams presented a case. Neither called a witness to testify. During closing arguments, Young’s defense argued that the State had not proven beyond reasonable doubt that Young was guilty or at the scene the morning of the crime. Schnee argued against the investigation in the case. Schnee also argued about witnesses not called to the stand. Schnee called some of those who did testify, “liars.” Assistant Solicitor Luck Campbell argued that when it comes to the State’s burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the guilt of Young and Barnes, “With this case and this evidence, the State welcomes that burden,” said Campbell while delivering closing arguments. Assistant Solicitor Nicole Simpson stated, during closing arguments, that Hunnewell’s children would never hear their mother’s voice again and that her last words were, “No, no, no.” followed by screams of terror. The prosecution nor defense wanted to speak on camera. Hunnewell’s family also declined an on camera interview.