Sentencing Delayed for Woman Convicted of Killing Boyfriend

Jenna Colley's attorney argues for reduced sentence under Georgia's Survivor Justice Act

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bloodied kitchen knife, the harsh flash illuminating the blade's sharp edge and the dark, textured handle in stark contrast against the pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence and trauma at the heart of this domestic abuse case.A recent wave of domestic violence cases has sparked renewed debate over sentencing laws for survivors who resort to deadly force against their abusers.Albany Today

The sentencing for Jenna Colley, a Dougherty County woman convicted of fatally stabbing her boyfriend in March 2024, has been continued. Colley's attorney requested she be sentenced under Georgia's Survivor Justice Act, which provides reduced sentences for domestic abuse survivors. However, the district attorney argued it would not be appropriate to apply the act in this case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and emotional issues surrounding domestic violence cases, where survivors may resort to violence against their abusers. The Survivor Justice Act aims to provide more lenient sentencing in such cases, but its application is still being debated by the courts.

The details

In February, Jenna Colley was found guilty of fatally stabbing her boyfriend in March 2024. On April 4th, Colley's attorney requested that Dougherty County Superior Court Judge Denise Marshall sentence Colley under Georgia's Survivor Justice Act (SJA-HB 582), which went into effect on July 1, 2025. The act allows for reduced sentencing for survivors of domestic abuse if they can provide evidence that the abuse played a role in the offense. However, Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards argued that it would not be appropriate to apply the act in Colley's case. A court reporter is now preparing testimony from Colley's trial for the defense to use as part of their argument for sentencing at a later date.

  • Colley was convicted in February 2026.
  • Colley's sentencing was continued on April 4, 2026.
  • Georgia's Survivor Justice Act went into effect on July 1, 2025.

The players

Jenna Colley

A Dougherty County woman convicted of fatally stabbing her boyfriend in March 2024.

Denise Marshall

The Dougherty County Superior Court Judge presiding over Colley's case.

Greg Edwards

The Dougherty County District Attorney who argued against applying the Survivor Justice Act to Colley's case.

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What they’re saying

“We don't feel it would be appropriate to apply SJA-HB 582 to Colley's case.”

— Greg Edwards, Dougherty County District Attorney

What’s next

A court reporter is preparing testimony from Colley's trial for the defense to use as part of their argument for sentencing at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around how the legal system should handle domestic violence cases, where survivors may resort to violence against their abusers. The application of laws like the Survivor Justice Act is still being determined by the courts.