By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lumpkin arraigned in Long Co.
State still seeks death penalty
WEB Kenneth Lumpkin
Kenneth Lumpkin

Kenneth Lumpkin, a former Liberty County corrections officer, formally was arraigned in Long County Superior Court on Tuesday morning before Superior Court Judge C. Paul Rose.

Lumpkin faces charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping with bodily injury and concealing the death of another for his alleged involvement in the death of Lori Arrowood in September 2010.

Arrowood went missing from her home off John Wells Road on Sept. 25, 2010. In the days that followed, an intensive communitywide search ensued, and her body was discovered a few days later near Tower Road in Long County.

Lumpkin reportedly was a friend of Arrowood’s and, according to previous news reports, had been doing handiwork at her house the day she disappeared. Lumpkin was interviewed for several hours by authorities and later arrested.

The case originally was indicted in Liberty County Superior Court but in December 2011, Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Durden said new information prompted his office to re-indict the case in Long County. During the December hearing the state also took the first step toward a capital-punishment trial by filing proceedings establishing the state’s intent to seek the death penalty.

Lumpkin’s former attorney, Brandon Clark, informed the court that Lumpkin’s representation must be transferred to a public defender from Atlanta who is qualified to defend capital cases.

Lumpkin’s case was transferred to a senior staff attorney for the Georgia Capital Defender’s Office, Joseph Vigneri.

During a March 2 hearing, the state re-affirmed its position in seeking the death penalty.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Vigneri tried to waive the formal reading of indictments in the arraignment, but Durden was allowed by the judge to proceed with the formal arraignment.

Vigneri then announced a plea on behalf of his client.

“Not guilty on all counts,” he said.

In addition to the arraignment, the defense filed motions with the court. The state and defense attorneys will have time to review the motions, and a motions hearing will be scheduled for some time this summer.

Lumpkin is being held in jail without bond.

Sign up for our e-newsletters