Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — James Mitchell Kerr III, the man who pled no contest to one charge of assault with intent to murder; one charge of felony firearm; and one charge of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer; was sentenced on July 31, 2025.

Judge Thomas Wilson of the 4th Circuit Court sentenced Kerr from 7 years to life in prison for assault with intent to murder, 2 years to be served separately for felony firearm, and 16 to 24 months for assaulting a police officer (to be served concurrently with the assault with intent to murder conviction).

The conviction relates to an incident that occurred in Leoni Township on September 19, 2024, when Jackson County Sheriff Deputy Henderson attempted to arrest Kerr on an outstanding warrant. During the attempted arrest, Kerr pulled out a gun and pointed it at Deputy Henderson.

Deputy Henderson had already drawn his taser and used that to disarm Kerr before he transitioned to his firearm. When the taser hit Kerr, he unintentionally fired his gun and shot himself in the hand. He was treated at the hospital before being remanded to jail.

Jackson County Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey celebrated the sentencing as justice being served for both Deputy Henderson and our community. Hear more of what she had to say about the conviction to WKHM in the audio clip below.