Chrisman pleads not guilty

A woman accused of bludgeoning an elderly man with a hammer in an apparent robbery attempt pleaded not guilty in Wilson County Circuit Court Tuesday.
Kelly Chrisman, 20, is accused of severely beating 71-year-old James Lanier in his Spring Street home about the face and head with a hammer in May. Attorney Frank Lannom entered the plea on Chrisman's behalf. She was previously represented by the public defender's office.
Chrisman's next court appearance will be Nov. 27, where it is expected a trial date will be set on charges of attempted first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery.
During Chrisman's preliminary hearing her mother, Paula, told General Sessions Judge Robert Hamilton her daughter may have confessed the crime to her. However, she said in court that she was unsure if the confession had actually occurred because Paula Chrisman was taking methadone.
Paula Chrisman said her daughter had come to her home after being released from the Wilson County Jail after questioning and told her about the crime.
"I told the police that Kelly had told me she had done this … (while) in a drugged state of mind," Paula Chrisman said.
However, she said she remained confused about what was actually said in the conversation, admitting she is a patient at a methadone clinic and takes the drug regularly.
"I kept telling them they needed to speak with my husband," Paula Chrisman said. "I was confused."
Chrisman's husband later told police the confession had not occurred.
A witness also told the court in June that Kelly Chrisman was frequently at the residence, and a friend testified the two of them were at Lanier's house frequently to use the telephone.
Staff Writer Jason Cox can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 45 or by e-mail at jason.cox@lebanondemocrat.com.