McKinney man who tried to hang his 8-year-old son sentenced to life in prison

McKINNEY, TX – A McKinney man who tried to kill himself and his 8-year-old autistic son will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Collin County Prosecutor Greg Willis said Kendall Thigpen-Watkins, 34, was recently convicted of attempted capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.

In June of last year, Thigpen-Watkins’ ex-wife called police to report that he was suicidal and home alone with their child.

The police who went to their home tried in vain to get him out. They eventually broke down the door because they feared for the child’s safety.

Prosecutors said that as officers entered the home, Thigpen-Watkins jumped from a second-story railing while holding her son. He and the little boy had ropes tied around their necks.

The police managed to shoot them both before they were seriously injured.

“Thanks to the quick and courageous actions of McKinney officers, this child’s life was saved from a tragic fate at the hands of the very person who should have protected him,” DA Willis said after the sentencing. “We hope this life sentence will bring justice and a sense of security to the child and his mother as they begin the healing process.”

During the trial, witnesses testified that Thigpen-Watkins stalked his ex-wife throughout their divorce proceedings and, in one incident, fired shots.

The judge gave him the maximum sentence allowed by law.