Herbert Francis Barnhill has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, 5 years for possession of weapon during the commission of a violent crime, 10 years for discharging a firearm Into a dwelling, 5 years for stalking, 1 year for contraband, and 30 days for possession of marijuana – all to run concurrently.
As part of the plea, a permanent restraining order was issued against Barnhill for the benefit of Melissa Hammond and her minor child. Circuit Court Judge J. Derham Cole issued the sentence.
In October 2020, the relationship between Barnhill and Hammond ended. On Oct., 20, 2020, Barnhill called Hammond and threatened to shoot into her home.
Barnhill thereafter drove by Hammond's residence and shot multiple rounds from a 9mm handgun into her home. Hammond was not at home at the time, however, her minor child was present when projectiles entered the home, landed on a bed and burned him.
After the October 2020 shooting and while Barnhill was on on bond, he repeatedly contacted Hammond and made threats to harm her. Barnhill was thereafter arrested for stalking.
While incarcerated at the Cherokee County Detention Center, Barnhill was charged with possession of marijuana and contraband on Dec., 20, 2022.
Barnhill's prior criminal history included convictions for shoplifting and malicious injury to personal property.
Deputy Solicitor Kim Leskanic commended the courage of the victims and the dedicated work of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department and Detention Center.