On Monday, January 30, 2023, the trial of Lee Allen Mayhew began in the Superior Court of Bulloch County. Mayhew was accused of murdering Bulloch County native Bonnie Lanier Rushing in October of 2020. The jury entered deliberations around midday today, Thursday, February 2, and returned its verdict only hours later.
Mayhew was found guilty on all counts.
Mayhew was charged with and found guilty of the following: one count of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, one count aggravated assault, two counts burglary (1st degree; felony), one count possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, five counts theft by taking (felony), and one count receipt/possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon or felony first offender.
Sentencing is set to take place on February 14.
History of the crime
Around 5pm, Thursday, October 22, 2020, a victim in the area of Old River Road South arrived home to discover a suspicious vehicle parked in his carport. The homeowner realized that his home had been burglarized and items, including firearms, were missing. He notified the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Department, who identified Lee Allen Mayhew, a criminal with outstanding warrants for firearm violations, as the prime suspect.
They began searching for Mayhew with the sheriff’s K9 team, supported by the Georgia State Patrol Air Unit and the U.S. Marshal Service. After several hours, they called off the search for Mayhew.
The following day, on Friday afternoon, Mayhew broke into Bonnie Rushing’s home, which was approximately five miles from the initial burglary report on Thursday. At some point, he made contact with Bonnie Rushing and shot her, killing her.
He then stole her vehicle and fled the scene. He was tracked to Florida, where he was arrested without incident that same Friday night in Columbia County, a few counties west of Jacksonville. The following day, he faced charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by taking motor vehicle, and burglary.
