In St. Louis, the justice system delivered a final verdict in the case of Terry Garey, the 43-year-old man convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls. On Friday, Garey was handed four consecutive life sentences plus an additional 15 years for his crimes, as detailed by the Office of the Circuit Attorney of St. Louis. Garey's convictions came on three counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, one count of attempted statutory sodomy, and one count of first-degree child molestation.
The victims, just 5 and 7 years old during the time of the assault, were subject to Garey's predatory actions in their own neighborhoods of Carondelet and Baden. The sentence reflects the gravity of the acts, ensuring that Garey will not have an opportunity to harm another child. According to the Office of the Circuit Attorney, "Garey targeted the most innocent members of our community and committed acts that are beyond reprehensible."
Assistant Circuit Attorneys Rondalyn McDonald-Harris and Carolyn Chkautovich led the prosecution, and their efforts culminated in Garey receiving life in prison for each of the sodomy counts, life for the attempted sodomy count, and an additional 15 years for the molestation charge. This decision was met with relief by those following the case and advocates for the safety of children in the community.
During the trial, the jury heard harrowing testimonies from the victims detailing the abuse suffered at the hands of Garey. Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, reflecting on the outcome, stated, "Today’s sentence sends a clear message: if you prey on children, you will spend the rest of your life behind bars."
