SPARTANBURG MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR SHOOTING MAN

A Spartanburg man received a life prison sentence today for shooting a man in the abdomen.

John Douglas Alexander, 35, was found guilty of assault and battery with intent to kill and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime at the conclusion of a two-day trial. Jurors, after deliberating about 30 minutes, concluded that Alexander shot Orenthiell Freeman, 33, on July 21, 2006.

Circuit Judge Derham Cole sentenced Alexander in accordance with the state’s two-strike/three-strike law for repeat violent offenders.

The shooting occurred in Freeman’s home at 167 Wardlaw Ave. in Spartanburg County. Freeman lived at the home with Alexander’s sister and her two children. Freeman was taken into surgery immediately after the shooting at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where he spent approximately two weeks recovering from his injuries.

Alexander’s criminal record includes convictions for Voluntary Manslaughter, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of a Pistol, Shoplifting, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Crack Cocaine.

Alexander will serve every day of his prison sentence. He is not eligible for parole.