Athine Henderson was charged with first degree manslaughter after Deputy Kyle Davis died following a tussle with Henderson in the jail last Spring. 

Although the Medical Examiners report showed Deputy Davis’ death was from heart disease, they argue Athine Henderson’s actions of obstructing officers accelerated Davis’ health problems, which led to his death.

The judge agreed there was enough evidence, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors played jail phone calls from Henderson where he was angry about being in jail, about how high his bond was and said the jail staff would have to kill him before he would go into jail.

Prosecutors then played surveillance video from inside the jail, where they said Henderson refused Davis’ orders, which led to jail officers having to detain Henderson because he was resisting. 

Video shows Deputy Davis struggling to breathe and he died at the hospital later that day.

Henderson’s Attorneys argue Davis was already in bad health, with high blood pressure and being obese. They said he couldn’t be held responsible for Davis’ death.

Davis' wife and dad both testified. They said Davis was physically active and involved in labor intensive work one week before his death.

The forensic pathologist who did the autopsy on Davis testified.

The pathologist said Davis did die from heart disease and the contributing factors were the physical exertion during inmate restraint, tobacco use and obesity. 

Henderson also has a pending case for trafficking methamphetamine in Washington county where he faces 20 or more years in prison.

Prosecutors said they are satisfied with the judges decision and want justice for Davis’ family.