THOMASVILLE — A Thomas County jury found a Cairo man guilty in the 2018 death of  a Thomasville woman. 

Lavontae Terrell Jones was found guilty in the June 8, 2018, death of 45-year-old Yolanda Bradshaw. The defendant was charged with homicide by vehicle, felony murder and theft by taking.

Thomas County Superior Court Judge James E. Hardy sentenced Jones, 29, to life in prison.

The jury deliberated about an hour in the one-day trial.

“We were pleased with the outcome of the trial,” said Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

Knifer expressed appreciation to the GBI and Senior Assistant District Attorney Ray Auman for assistance in prosecuting Jones.

“We’re pleased with their bringing justice to (Yolanda) Bradshaw and her family,” the commander said.

Jones was denied bond and has been held in the Thomas County Jail since being arrested on the night of the crime.

On the night of June 8, 2018, Thomasville police were called about 11 p.m. to the 400 block of Covington Avenue.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents said Willie Bradshaw went to Southern Pines to pick up his mother, Yolanda Bradshaw, an employee at the senior living facility. She worked days at nearby Peanuts Kiddie Kollege.

Jones attempted to steal Willie Bradshaw’s car, agents said.

The GBI said Willie Bradshaw got into a fight with Jones, and Yolanda Bradshaw came out of the business to try to stop the fight.

Jones struck Yolanda Bradshaw with the car while trying to leave the scene, GBI agents said last year. Bradshaw was transported to Archbold Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820