One of the two people charged with the home invasion and death of Lavonia businessman Sam Harbin entered a guilty plea and was sentenced Tuesday.
Kristen Odister pleaded guilty to the murder of Harbin.
“In a case made by the Lavonia Police Department in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Kristen Odister avoided the death penalty today by accepting responsibility and pleading guilty for her role in the home invasion and murder of Sam Harbin,” according to a social media post by District Attorney Parks White. “She apologized for her actions and asked the family of Sam Harbin for forgiveness.”
Odister and Rayfondia Rashan Craft were arrested in August 2016 for the murder of Harbin. Each was charged with malice murder, felony murder, first-degree burglary, home invasion, armed robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and kidnapping.
“This senseless crime shook the city of Lavonia,” White wrote. “Mr. Harbin was a good, Christian man, and loved by so many. He ministered to inmates at the Franklin County jail. He believed in redemption. He was kind and generous.”
In a negotiated plea agreement, Odister was sentenced to life in prison by Superior Court Judge Lauren Watson.
“Ms. Odister waived any and all rights to appeal her conviction and sentence,” White’s post reads. “She will not be eligible for parole consideration until 2046.”
