Note: The video above reflects top headlines from morning of April 3, 2024.
LUBBOCK, Texas — Jeremy Atchison was found guilty of Capital Murder on Wednesday for killing his mother in Levelland in 2019. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.
A jury deliberated for about six hours before coming to the verdict.
According to previous reports from EverythingLubbock.com, the slaying happened on August 31 around 10:25 p.m. in the 400 block of East Jackson Street.
The Levelland Police Department said officers were called to Jill Atchison’s home and saw Jeremy running from the scene. He was caught after a brief pursuit, and authorities found Jill’s body. Jeremy was arrested and charged with one count of capital murder and evading arrest.
Jeremy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the beginning of the trial. Jill’s daughter testified that she was mad and deeply hurt.
“I’m mad that he took my mom from me,” Jill’s daughter said.
The victim’s daughter testified that Jill was trying to get help for Jeremy, and that he had threatened to kill her. Jeremy’s father testified that his son had mentioned hearing voices.
Prosecutor Baron Slack during closing arguments called the incident “a serious struggle.” According to Slack, Jeremy chased his mother and strangled her before he went to his truck and grabbed a gun. After Jeremy killed his mother, Slack said he took her purse too. Slack said it was no quick event, but a “long, concentrated effort.”
Slack said Jeremy knew right from wrong and asked the jury to find him guilty of Capital Murder.
Defense attorney Jesse Mendez said Jeremy should have been charged with Murder instead. Mendez questioned if Jeremy was in the right state of mind at the time of the killing. Mendez asked the jury to find Jeremy not guilty by reason of insanity.
Jill, a beloved dance teacher in Levelland, owned a studio for more than 30 years. Her former students have described her as a “soul that was worth more than gold.”