Video: Woman Found Guilty in Assault

[bitsontherun S46HPzkS]COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — From a hung jury to 16 years in prison, that’s what’s happened to a former Columbus resident in just a week.

After more than two days of testimony, a Lowndes County Circuit Court jury deliberated just 18 minutes Wednesday afternoon before finding 40-year-old Laura Griffin guilty of aggravated assault. Judge Jim Kitchens sentenced her to 20 years in prison but suspended four years, leaving 16 to serve.

She also must pay $4,026 in restitution and a $1,000 fine. She’ll spend four years on post-release supervision.

Just last week, a different jury hung 7-5 in favor of acquittal.

Griffin was found guilty of choking and beating Dean Loftis in December 2009 at the Columbus duplex Griffin rented from Loftis.

Griffin claimed she acted in self defense.