O’Jarion Lamogene McClenon, 20, the third person charged with Capital Murder in the shooting death of Teague man Douglas Carr Hurst during a home invasion that took place in March 2015, has chosen to take a Plea Bargain offered by the State of Texas in lieu of going through a jury trial.
On Thursday morning, October 27, the morning after Amber Hope Halford was found ‘guilty’ of Capital Murder in the same event and given Live without Parole, McClenon decided to take a Plea Bargain that gave him 40 years in prison of which 20 years must be served before any possibility of parole is offered. He is given credit for 599 days that he has already served since being arrested last year.
According to Defense Attorney Chad Morgan, McClenon was offered a deal for 36 years in August, but he chose to reject it. Following Lawson Abram’s ‘guilty’ verdict and Life sentence earlier this month, McClenon was offered 40 years, but again chose to refuse the deal.
Following Halford’s trial, as she was taken back to the jail, she yelled at McClenon through a glass window to “take the deal,” according to Chad Morgan during the Plea hearing.
After discussing the matter with his attorney and family again, McClenon decided that he would take the 40-year Plea Bargain; and appeared before Judge Patrick Simmons to accept his judgment.
“O’Jarion is very sorry for Mr. Hurst’s family and for the loss of life and pain that they have had to endure,” states Defense Attorney Chad Morgan. “My client accepted responsibility from the beginning. He was the only one who volunteered/confessed with credible information to law enforcement from the beginning. He, myself, and his granny prayed with him Wednesday night at the jail, and after sleeping on it, decided that though his involvement was minimal, he felt the best course for him was to plea and finally get this ordeal behind him.”
“For over 19 months the Hurst family has stood strong in their fight for obtaining justice for their loved one, Douglas Carr Hurst,” says District Attorney Christ Martin. “These trials have been grueling for this family; and to finally have it over is a huge relief for each of them.”
“They were never seeking vengeance, but only that justice be served on each of the defendants responsible for Doug’s murder,” he continues. “The plea of guilty to murder and forty years in prison that O’Jarion McClenon entered on Thursday was one that they agreed with fully. My prayers will continue with the Hurst family as they move forward trying to heal from this senseless and tragic crime.”
“Justice has been fairly and properly served in Freestone County,” concludes Martin.
