Jeremy Niel Atchison, 41, of Levelland was found guilty of capital murder after killing his mother in 2019.
Atchison was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Closing statements from the state and defense were held Wednesday morning with the jury announcing their verdict the following afternoon along with sentencing being held right after.
During the state’s closing statement, Barron Slack detailed the timeline of Jill Atchison’s death, emphasizing Jeremy was aware of his actions that day and knew right from wrong.
Following her death, Slack stated Jeremy had sent text messages to his sister, lying about Jill being alive. Once the police arrived to the residence, he explained that Jeremy knew that he should not say anything to the officers about his mother and did not mention her when he was arrested in front of his fathers home.
While the abuse of Adderall was highlighted throughout the proceedings, Slack explained that it was not a reason for insanity. He stated a severe mental disease or defect causing someone to not know right from wrong is insanity, which was not the case in the events laid out to the jury.
Following the states accounts, the defense focused on the validity of a capital murder charge for the crime. The defense stated jury’s duty was to ensure Jeremy received a fair trial and did not focus on the family and their feelings.
The defense explained they were not saying Jeremy did not kill his mother. However, the state did not prove a Jeremy also robbed her. The robbery resulted in the enhanced murder charge.
The defense added that the robbery did not happen, detailing Jill had promised to give Jeremy $300, which was found in his wallet after he was arrested.
The defense highlighted Jeremy’s odd behaviors, crawling on all fours and saying potato chips were talking to him. The defense also explained that schizophrenia occurs in adults between 36 and 38 years old, stating Jeremy was in this age range at the time of the murder.
The defense closed their statement by asking the jury to take their oath seriously and to consider that they must be sure beyond a reasonable doubt Jeremy knew right from wrong at the time of the murder.
Court proceedings were held in the 286th Judicial District Court after being charged with capital murder and evading arrest and detention using a vehicle on Aug. 31, 2019.
Proceedings began March 25, with jury selection followed by opening statements on March 26. The court hearing was held in Lamb County with the 286th District Court still presiding over the case.
Addressing the jury, Slack explained that they will be hearing the thoughts and circumstances dealing with a family relationship that led to the offense which occurred on Aug. 31,2019.
Additionally, Slack explained that he expects the jury to have roughly three or four different findings depending on the evidence and information provided. Slack proceeded to explain in detail Jill Atchison and her family’s history. Slack also discussed Atchison’s upbringing and highlighted his shortcomings in life and failed prospects. Atchison was detailed as struggling financially and during the process leading to the day of the crime; relationships including his grandmother were strained.
Though Atchison lacked steady employment or money, Slack detailed that Jill would allow Jeremy to live at her home and would also employ him in a handy-man role for studio upkeep that was owned by Jill.
Moving forward in the detailed summary, Slack began to breakdown the events of what transpired on Aug. 31, 2019. Slack highlighted the conversation Jeremy had with Levelland Police officers at the residence of the welfare check.
According to the preliminary