Winder Man Found Guilty of Wife's Murder

A jury has found James Lynn Jr. guilty of killing his wife and dumping her body in a well, the Gwinnett Daily Post reports. 

Lynn was sentenced to life in prison Thursday without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault. 

The Daily Post reports the trial began this week and wrapped up Thursday afternoon with closing arguments. The verdict was delivered within a few hours.

Lynn, 42, was indicted in October 2011 following the death of his estranged wife, Tonya Faye Royster Lynn, in July 2011. The couple had four children.

The Athen Banner-Herald reported in November that during interviews with police investigators, Lynn allegedly lied about the night of his wife's disappearance but later told authorities  — in a well off Ethridge Road near Auburn. An autopsy revealed she died from a blow to the head.

The Daily Post reports the search for Tonya Lynn began when her niece received a text message from her phone reading, “take care of my kids.” Police have said they believe the text was actually sent by James Lynn.

Eighty names, including Tonya Faye Royster Lynn's, were read on the steps of the historic courthouse Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, during . The names were those of individuals who died as a result of domestic violence.

Read Barrow Patch's previous coverage of this story now.

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