Jury convicts two in Athens gang murder case
- Classic City News
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
By Joe Johnson
A Superior Court jury in Athens has convicted a pair of street gang members for the murder of a rival in the Nellie B community four years ago.
Brynarius Smith, 19, was shot to death by a trio of gunmen in April 2022 while sitting in front of his home on Cone Drive.
Police identified three suspects, two of whom were arrested in April 2024: Ja ‘Quavious Smith and Shamon Elder, both affiliated with the Red Tape Gang. The victim had belonged to a rival gang.
They were charged with murder, aggravated assault, and violating the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
The third suspect was identified as Alijah Nelson, who died six months after Smith’s murder, when killed during a gang shootout.
Following the trial, jurors deliberated over three days last week before finding Smith and Elder guilty of murder and criminal gang activity.
Superior Court Judge Eric Norris did not immediately sentence the defendants.
