Buncombe teen admits to murdering sister when he was 14, sentenced to 16 years – Citizen Times

ASHEVILLE Ateenager from north Buncombe County has pleaded guilty to ashocking killing, saying when he was 14 he murdered his disabled sister, something for which he will now be imprisoned for at least 16 years.

Claude HendersonII, 17,of Reems Creek, pleaded guilty Sept. 8 in BuncombeSuperior Court tothe charge of second-degree murder in the death of Kayla Dezaray Hensley, according to a release from the district attorney's office.

Hensleywas 18 at the time of her death. She had cerebral palsy and was deaf and worked at American Eagle Outfitters, the website disability-memorial.org said.

My heart goes out to Kaylas mother Susan Maltry who has showed great emotional strength and grace in working with both investigators, court personneland my office throughout this unspeakable tragedy. I wish her peace and healing, Buncombe District Attorney Todd Williams said in a press release.

Dead Weaverville teen called 'sweet, gentle girl'

Judge Alan Z. Thornburg sentenced Hendersonto 16 to 25 years in the NC Department of Adult Corrections with credit for three years for imprisonment since the 2017 killing.

Hensley was murdered Nov. 11, 2017, herbody found near a dumpsterwith severe lacerations to her neck which also had a canvas belt around it.

A memorial for Kayla Hensley by the dumpster where her body was found(Photo: Sam DeGrave)

Henderson, a juvenile at the time, wascharged with first-degree murder.That requiredthestate to prove premeditation and deliberation beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted he could have been released on parole after 25 years because he was a juvenile.

But a defense-initiated forensic psychiatric evaluation questioned whether that was possible dueto his youth,immaturity and other diagnostic factors, the release said.

Second-degree murder does not require proof of premeditation and deliberation.

The initial call to law enforcement was made around 10:30 p.m., on a Saturday. Sheriff's deputies arrived at the mobile home park on Brinwood Drive in Weaverville at 10:42 p.m.

Henderson confessed to killing his sister in an interview, deputies said.

The investigation showed that Kayla Hensley was killed inside the family's home. Deputies seized three knives, a box cutter and the belt reported to have been found around Hensley's neck.

Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Please help support this type of journalism with asubscriptionto the Citizen Times.

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Buncombe teen admits to murdering sister when he was 14, sentenced to 16 years - Citizen Times