Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wilson sentenced James Mitchell Kerr III on the charges of Assault with Intent to Murder, Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer, and Felony Firearms on July 31.
According to a press release from, Jackson-Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey Kerr received two years in MDOC for the Felony Firearm and seven years to life in MDOC for the Assault with Intent to Murder conviction. These two sentences will run consecutively so Kerr must serve the two years before he begins his sentence for the Assault with Intent to Murder conviction. He was also sentenced to 16 months to 24 months on the Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer which will run concurrent with the Assault with Intent to Murder conviction.
This incident occurred in Leoni Township on Sept. 19, 2024, when Jackson County Sheriff Deputy Henderson attempted to arrest the Kerr on an outstanding warrant. During the attempted arrest, Kerr pulled a firearm out and pointed it the deputy. Deputy Henderson had already drawn his taser, and used that to disarm the Defendant, before he transitioned to his firearm. When the taser contacted Kerr, he discharged his firearm and shot himself in the hand.
“I’d like to begin by recognizing Deputy Henderson’s swift and composed response. What began as a routine warrant arrest escalated into a dangerous and volatile situation in a matter of moments. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day, and I’m thankful that Deputy Henderson’s calm judgment helped prevent this incident from becoming deadly-for everyone involved,” said Guernsey.
“Judge Wilson provided a sentence this morning that was very appropriate with the facts and was consistent with what Deputy Henderson wanted to see happen in this case,” Guernsey added. “Here, justice was served not only for Deputy Henderson, but for our community as well.”
