Terry Lee McKinney was sentenced Wednesday morning (November 23rd) to Life in Prison for the murder of Leroy “Pete” Foster back in March of 2015.  McKinney had been convicted of Murder by a Cherokee County jury some three weeks ago (on November 2nd).

That sentence was handed down by Judge Shaunathan Bell following statements by defense lawyers for McKinney and Deputy District Attorney Bob Johnston.

During his summation, Johnston said he’d seen many things over the course of his career in law enforcement and (paraphrasing) stated that he’d become somewhat hardened by those things however he was still shocked by the actions of McKinney – which included cutting up Foster’s body with a chainsaw and tossing parts out along County Road 82.

Forensic analysis revealed that the victim has received two bullet wounds to the back and a shotgun blast to the head.

In his sentencing order, Judge Bell referred to McKinney as “an emissary of Satan…who was immersed in evil,” – adding that, McKinney’s actions in regard to the body further “deprived Foster of a proper and respectful burial.”

In a statement issued by District Attorney Mike O’Dell, he said his office was pleased that the judge had imposed the maximum sentence allowed under the law for the egregious acts performed by McKinney – and he hopes, that with the sentencing behind them, the family of Pete Foster can begin the healing process.

O’Dell also thanked the jurors who served on the case for their enormous public service.  In closing, he says his office appreciated Judge Bell for the manner in which he conducted the trial, as well as his willingness to impose the Life sentence.

To view the entire Sentencing Order simply click the link provided – mckinney-sentencing-filing-order