An Augusta man who shot his father to death more than five years ago pleaded guilty but mentally ill Friday, Sept. 16
Perry Kearse, 30, was charged with murder in the June 17, 2017, slaying of Ronald Kearse, 60. Friday in Richmond County Superior Court, Kearse entered his plea to a charge of murder.
Defense attorney Robert Homlar told the judge that Kearse had been evaluated by mental health professionals at Augusta University and Emory University for a possible plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. While Kearse does suffer from mental illness, his condition would not support a finding of insanity.
Perry Kearse’s mother and sister as well as his godmother and a friend of the victim, Leon Butler, spoke on Perry Kearse’s behalf. His mother and sister told the judge that the victim had been abusive.
Homlar said there were no arrests of Ronald Kearse or 911 calls from the family’s home.
Perry Kearse shot his father three times with a shotgun.
Judge Jesse Stone accepted the negotiated plea and imposed the sentence of life in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 30 years and will be given credit for the five years he has been in jail since his arrest.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
