Bennett: Plea results in life sentence
Vernon Ronald Bennett faces the rest of his life behind bars as the result of a plea deal entered Monday, September 16, in Gilmer County Superior Court in Ellijay.
Bennett, 51, plead guilty to malice murder, criminal attempt to commit felony murder (two counts), aggravated battery, and aggravated assault (two counts) in connection with the shooting death of Jennifer Layman and shooting of Kevin Franklin in March 2022. Bennett’s plea, which was accepted by Judge Mary Beth Priest, calls for life in prison with the possibility of parole, 30 years to serve with the possibility of parole, and 20 years probation consecutive to that sentence.
Bennett’s lawyer, George Weaver Jr., of Jasper, estimated that Bennett would be at least 81 years old before eligible for parole.
Bennett’s sentence also comes with special conditions of no contact with the deceased victim’s family as well as no contact with the living victims or their families, restitution of $5,257.80, and banishment from the Georgia counties of Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union and Murray.
Two counts of aggravated assault were nolle processed.
The charges came as a result of Bennett’s March 9, 2022, arrest following the murder of his girlfriend, Jennifer Layman.
Bennett was also accused and convicted for aggravated battery, aggravated assault and attempt to commit felony murder on his friend Kevin Franklin and Franklin’s coworker, Adam Dickey, respectively.
Warrants sworn out at the time by Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Kelly Aldrich said both shootings took place between noon and 2 p.m.
Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby said Bennett was believed to have first shot Layman at Bennett’s residence on Orchard Boulevard in Blue Ridge. He then traveled to Franklin’s business on Ada Street where he shot Franklin.
The crimes were committed within two hours of each other the same day.
Many of Layman’s family and friends were present for the hearing as well as Franklin and his wife.
Layman’s brother, James Hooper, said, “Vern, your irrational decision to end Jen’s life has left our entire family devastated. I have seen my parents, my siblings, and every family member go through so many stages of grief and anger.”
He asked Bennett to take a look at a picture he displayed of his sister’s urn, saying, “I want you to take a look at the picture I brought today. Please take a good look.
“Aside of all the good, and the sad memories, this is what we have left of Jennifer Hooper Layman. I would like for you to have a copy of this picture to look at every day just as we do.”
James Hooper and Layman’s mother, Beth Hooper, also spoke about Layman saying, “Her father passed away 14 months after her murder, not able to enjoy his last painful days being comforted and nursed by his adored, favorite daughter.”
Both James and Beth Hooper described Layman as a beloved daughter, sister, nurse and mother to four children.
Both Hoopers stated they forgave Bennett for taking Layman’s life.
Weaver confirmed that Bennett had undergone a mental evaluation and was ruled competent to stand trial.