Humphreys sentenced to life without parole in McIntosh County murder of Tony Ferguson

MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A judge sentenced George Humphreys on Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 10 years, for the killing of his friend, Tony Ferguson, at a party in December 2024.

A McIntosh County jury found Humphreys guilty on all five counts Wednesday night. The judge said he sentenced Humphreys as a recidivist because of multiple prior felony convictions.

Verdict

Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, the jury found Humphreys guilty on all five charges against him after an hour of deliberations.

Humphreys, a convicted felon, faced malice murder and felony murder charges, along with multiple gun charges. The trial lasted three days, with multiple witnesses and different evidence shown to the jury.

TRIAL DAY ONE: Jury begins hearing case against George Humphreys in McIntosh County murder trial

TRIAL DAY TWO: 2 witnesses name George Humphreys as shooter in McIntosh County murder trial

Prior convictions cited by prosecutor

According to the prosecutor, Humphreys has prior felony convictions from 2011, again in 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2019.

The prosecutor asked for the maximum sentence allowed.

“He’s been convicted twice of threatening to kill 2 different people then he in fact did kill Tony Ferguson. We are asking for the maximum sentence allowed. He hasn’t been allowed to have a gun in years and continues to possess firearms,” the prosecutor said.

Family members at sentencing

People packed the courtroom in Darien to hear the sentence Thursday. Both Ferguson’s family and Humphreys’ family had people present. The courtroom rows were full.

At least 25 members of the Ferguson family attended the sentencing.

Ferguson’s godmother read two victim impact statements. One was on behalf of Ferguson’s parents, Eric and Stephanie. The other was on behalf of the mother of Ferguson’s youngest child’s mother.

Statement from Ferguson’s parents

“Tony was full of life, known for his infectious smile, kind heart, dedication to family, love for his community,” the statement said. “The defendant didn’t just take a life, he took a future, a history, a father, a son, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle.”

Ferguson’s mother said in that statement that her life has been altered since her son was killed.

“I used to be outgoing, hardworking, someone who felt safe, and like my son, that infectious laugh was taken away from me,” the statement from Ferguson’s mother said. “Now waking up every day is a battle against a wave of grief that never stops.”

“No holiday, no birthday, no day will ever be the same,” the statement said. “The defendant’s actions were cold, deliberate, and entirely merciless. He chose to take our son away from us forever, yet he called him friend, friend.”

“While the defendant will still be able to breathe, eat, see his family, and age over time, our son is forever 41,” the statement said. “There is no sentence that can bring our son back or heal the hole in our hearts.”

At the end of the statement, the godmother spoke for herself.

“My godson was a fighter too, but he was given no warning and no chance,” she said. “I stand here in his place on behalf of his grieving parents to demand the justice he deserves.”

Statement from mother of Ferguson’s youngest child

Ferguson leaves behind five children. The godmother read a statement on behalf of the mother of his youngest child.

“He was a great father and co-parent,” the statement said.

The statement said the child was 5 years old when Ferguson was killed.

“I couldn’t tell her why someone would hurt her dad, and I still don’t have an answer today,” the statement said. “She will never be able to walk down the aisle on her wedding day with her dad.”

Ferguson’s oldest daughter speaks

Ferguson’s oldest daughter made a statement before the judge’s ruling about what she and her four siblings have felt since losing their father.

“I would do anything to have just one more moment with you,” she said. “You are the person who did my ponytails, the person who listened when I needed to be heard, and the person who made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in the world.”

“You loved your children, and you gave us memories that will live on for the rest of our lives,” she continued.

She closed her statement by addressing her father.

“I will never regret loving you,” she said. “I would still choose you to be my dad. Until we meet again, I hope you know that I love you more than words can explain.”

Humphreys’ family speaks

Some of Humphreys’ children were at the sentencing, along with his mother and some other women.

His mother spoke before the sentencing. She told the judge that her son takes care of his 23 kids and that people make mistakes. She said she still does not believe it.

Humphreys was given the opportunity to make a statement off the record but did not.

Members of the Ferguson family told WTOC they feel relieved that Ferguson’s killer will never walk the streets again.