KEY PLAYERS
An alphabetized glossary of the individuals key to Christina’s story
Carrollton local and the son of two doctors, David began a relationship with Christina shortly after moving to Georgia. David was the last person who saw Amber alive on April 14, 1992.
Tried and convicted of cruelty to children, Herrin was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Amber Bennett’s death.
In 2011, he was offered parole and currently resides in Georgia. David has a daughter, Ashley Herrin, with ex-partner Kathy Carswell. Amber and Ashley were around the same age at the time of Amber’s death.
See: Christina & Amber, Amber’s Death, Investigation, and Alford Plea and David’s Trial
DAVID PAUL HERRIN
J. Philip Carr, Esq.
Attorney who represented Christina in her habeas corpus petition. He was later convicted on six counts of child molestation and two counts of statutory rape in 2007.
James Bennett
Christina’s first husband in Ohio, whom she married at age 16 as an escape from the abuse at the Resch household. James was extremely abusive and called child protective services on Christina, claiming she was abusive to Amber; out of the numerous calls, only three were ever investigated, and all deemed unsubstantiated. Amber took James’ last name.
See: Early Life
Christina’s defense attorney who insisted on Christina’s signature of a plea agreement whereby she enter into an Alford plea (as outlined in Alford v. North Carolina). Explained that, if Christina did not enter into said plea agreement, she would face a death penalty in the state of Georgia. An incompetent legal professional who did not prioritize Christina’s case.
See: Investigation and Alford Plea & David's Trial
James D. Berry (“Jimmy”)
Jeannie Lagle Dollar
A psychologist who spent time researching Christina’s apparent ‘paranormal’ activities as a teenager in Ohio. Invited Christina to come work for her, writing a book about her psychological experiences, in Carroll County, GA. Jeannie was with Christina all day on the day of Amber’s death, and met Christina and David at the Tanner Medical Center when they brought a dead Amber into the emergency room .
See: Early Life, Christina & Amber, and Amber’s Death
A fan of Unsolved Mystery’s episode on Christina, and began corresponding with her in prison. Their communication increased, and John helped to compile information about Christina’s case for a book he had started to write about Christina, and visited her in prison. He is since deceased.
John Riggle
Christina’s second husband. Christina took his namesake and hoped that Larry would provide a better life away from her previous abusive relationships. Unfortunately, Larry was no better - and soon became abusive towards Christina. Larry was arrested for domestic abuse, and, one night, Christina was also arrested for fighting back. It was this final straw that led her and Amber to seek a new life in Georgia.
See: Christina & Amber
Lawrence Boyer (“Larry”)
Served in the Carrollton Police Department for 29 years (retired 2003). One of the lead investigators on Christina’s case.
See: Investigation and Alford Plea & David's Trial
Deputy Chief Mike Bradley
Served in the Carrollton Police Department for 25 years, and retired in 2001. One of the lead investigators on Christina’s case. Interviewed Christina directly, but did not record her interview.
See: Investigation and Alford Plea & David's Trial
Captain Mike Thomas
District Attorney of Coweta County Judicial Circuit (includes Carroll County and Coweta County, among others). Incumbent DA at the time of Christina’s plea and sentencing proceedings, and faced a difficult re-election battle in 1992 (the year Christina was arrested and convicted). Retired in 2018 after over two decades as the DA.
Peter Skandalakis
Social worker also from DFACS, and also present in an interview with David Herrin and police. Present at the emergency room on the day of Amber’s death, and observed the child’s body (alongside Susan Souligny).
See: Investigation and Alford Plea & David's Trial
Shirley Vassey
Editor-in-Chief at the Carroll Star News. Wrote a piece about the injustice of Christina’s legal fight for the Star News Gazette where the thesis was that a “perfect storm” of events led to Christina’s life sentence. Read the article here.
Sue Horn
Social worker for the Department of Family and Child Services in Ohio who helped Christina transition from Ohio to Georgia, including aiding her with public housing and welfare. Investigated certain claims of abuse against Christina (which were deemed unsubstantiated). Present in an official interview of David Herrin alongside Detectives Bradley and Thomas.
See: Investigation and Alford Plea & David's Trial
Susan Souligny
Doctor who performed the autopsy on Amber Gail Bennett. Determined the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head.
Dr. Steven F. Dunton
Psychiatrist who provided a deposition at Christina’s habeas proceeding, claiming that her medication administered at her 1994 plea hearing negatively affected her ability to judge or understand its specifics.
Thomas Sachy
Presiding Justice over Christina’s case. Resigned in 2012 after an "ethical lapse” in his official duties.
See: Investigation, Alford Plea & David's Trial, and Timeline
Justice William Lee
Parapsychologist who investigated Christina during her teenage years, when paranormal happenings occurred around Christina’s home. Wrote Unleashed: Of Poltergeists and Murder: The Curious Story of Tina Resch (published in 2004). Married to Lydia Roll, who is also a licensed psychologist.
See: Early Life and Christina and Amber