The Office of the State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on September 25, 2019, a Bay County jury found the defendant, Janella Lashane Hardy, guilty of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon Causing Great Bodily Harm, and Criminal Mischief.
In trial, the State presented evidence that proved on April 3, 2019, Hardy used a crowbar to destroy all the windows and tires on the victim’s vehicle. The victim fled the scene for her safety, leaving her car and cellphone behind. Shortly after, the victim returned to the scene to retrieve her cell phone to call for help. However, Hardy anticipated her returned, and Hardy continued her brutal attack with the crowbar. The victim was able to make her escape once again, which led to Hardy’s arrest by Officer James Ferrell of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. During this altercation the victim sustained two broken wrists, multiple broken ribs, and a contusion on her head. She was transported to Gulf Coast Hospital for medical treatment, where she subsequently underwent reconstructive surgery to repair her wrist. After only twenty-five minutes of deliberation, six jurors found the defendant guilty as charged on both counts.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Lawrence Gill. Sentencing is set for October 21, 2019, before the Honorable Judge Dedee Costello.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.