03-07-05 - A Grayson County jury found Andre Thomas guilty of capital murder after 35 minutes of deliberation. The packed courtroom was quiet, and Thomas showed no emotion as Judge James Fry read the jury’s verdict. Family members of the victims had a look of relief on their face as the verdict was read.

The penalty phase began at 1:30 pm with prosecutors seeking the death penalty while Thomas’ defense tries to spare his life.
In opening statements of the penalty phase, prosecutors talked about Thomas’ juvenile record, which include three car thefts in 1997.

Defense Attorney R.J. Hagood pleaded that Thomas had been neglected as a child and that death was not the appropriate choice.
The punishment phase could last another week or more.