Gwinnett Daily Post

WINDER — The Winder man accused of dumping his wife’s body in a well last year received a life sentence Thursday from a Barrow County jury.

A jury found James Lynn Jr., 42, guilty of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault early Thursday evening, Barrow County Clerk of Superior Court Regina McIntyre confirmed. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lynn beat his wife, Tonya Faye Lynn, 38, to death late last July. He admitted to the killing and led police to the body at the bottom of a well near the Gwinnett-Barrow County line, Winder police said at the time.

The search for Tonya Lynn began when her niece received a cryptic text message from Tonya’s phone, reading, “take care of my kids.” Police have said they believe that text was actually sent by James Lynn.

Surveillance video at a nearby library showed James Lynn parking his wife’s Chevrolet Tahoe there before hopping into another car.

The couple had four children.

Lynne’s trial began this week and wrapped up Thursday afternoon with attorneys from both sides delivering their closing arguments, McIntyre said. At about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, McIntyre said Judge Joseph Booth was giving the jury instructions before they began their deliberations.

The verdict was delivered within a few hours.

Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith, who prosecuted the case, could not be reached for comment.