James Earl Morrow, Jr. was sentenced to the maximum penalty for his role in the 2022 murder of Joshua Lee Humphrey, receiving a total of 43 years behind bars.
Morrow, 33, originally faced a charge of second-degree murder but accepted a plea deal, reducing the charge to manslaughter. He was sentenced to the maximum 40 years for the manslaughter conviction, along with an additional three years for unlawful disposal of human remains. The sentences will be served consecutively.
The case also involved Kendrick Cox, who was identified as Morrow’s accomplice in the murder. Cox was sentenced last year to life in prison without the possibility of parole, probation, or sentence suspension.
During Morrow’s sentencing, the courtroom heard emotional testimony from Humphrey’s sister, who spoke about the impact of her brother’s murder on their family. Several members of the Humphrey family were present at the hearing.
With the sentencing finalized, Morrow will serve his time in state custody, bringing a measure of legal closure to a case that has deeply affected the victim’s loved ones and the local community.
