The Cobb County man who threatened to kill and eat a judge's children was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday, followed by two years on probation.
In February, James Edward Satterfield, 59, was convicted of two counts of terroristic threats with intent to retaliate and three counts of terroristic threats. Satterfield was also found to be mentally ill when he was found guilty, the Cobb County District Attorney previously said.
Satterfield's attorney, a doctor and family members told the court he was not a real threat to the community.
"It was my opinion he was not responsible based on a delusional compulsion," Dr. Kevin Richards said.
The DA's office asked the judge to sentence Satterfield to the maximum possible, 25 years in prison. But instead, Satterfield was sentenced to a total of 10 years, with eight to be spent behind bars.
Satterfield was apparently unhappy with his divorce settlement when he made the threats to Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben Green.
In December 2012, Green opened a letter that was mailed to his home and addressed to his wife, Reynolds said. In the five-page, typed letter, Satterfield outlined his intent to kill the judge's wife and two children and eat them, according to police.
Satterfield stated that he would "cook them first to make them more palatable," according to the Cobb County arrest warrant.
At the time of Satterfield's arrest, investigators found a Taurus firearm known as "The Judge" in his vehicle, and a copy of the letter and a photo of the judge's house on his computer, Reynolds said.
Green had presided over Satterfield's divorce and prosecutors contended he was mad about the amount of time and money spent in the split from his wife. The divorce was finalized in July 2012.
Satterfield has remained in the Cobb jail since his arrest on Dec. 30, 2012, booking records show.
About the Author