BEDFORD – July 2025 was a month marked by significant developments in the Lawrence County legal system, as a high-profile murder case came to a conclusion and a dedicated juvenile justice official was honored.
The legal community celebrated a positive step forward. Anah Hewetson Gouty, who had served as the Juvenile Referee since 2019, was officially sworn in as the Juvenile Magistrate of the Lawrence Circuit Court. Her appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment to juvenile justice and her efforts to improve outcomes for young people and families in Lawrence County. Her dedication and experience are expected to remain instrumental in the judicial system.
In a solemn moment, Joshua Penick pleaded guilty to two counts of murder for the Greene County deaths of Samantha Jerrell and their 14-year-old son, Colton.
The plea, made during a change-of-plea hearing, brings a measure of finality to the tragic case that shocked the community.
Penick, who had previously confessed to burying the bodies in a shallow grave at Bear Run Mine, waived his rights to enter the guilty pleas. The court accepted his pleas, affirming that they were made voluntarily and accurately.
