Finch Found Guilty of 2017 Murder of Kenard Hendley

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Anthony Deon’ta Finch, 24, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder. As a prison releasee reoffender, Finch now faces a mandatory Life sentence in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Russell L. Healey the week of Sept. 10, 2018.

During a June 2017 dice game at his girlfriend’s apartment, Finch lost all of his money to victim Kenard Hendley. As a last resort, Finch placed his firearm in the pot for a final roll. Hendley won that roll, but Finch refused to turn over the firearm. After a brief verbal exchange, Hendley abandoned his attempt to collect the firearm and began to walk out of the apartment. As Hendley was walking out the door, Finch fired a single round through Hendley’s back, paralyzing him on impact. Hendley later died after being transported to the hospital.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Chris Huband and Tonya Patterson-Barge.