Prison time for man who shot into Athens home with kids inside

By Joe Johnson

An Athens man has been sentenced to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to shooting into the home of a former girlfriend when her young children were present.

Zapond Charbijus Byrd, 22, of Parkview Extension, was given a total sentence of 25 years, with the first six years to be served in prison and the balance on probation.

The incident happened in April 2025 when Byrd went to the woman’s home on Broadacres Court and shot into her apartment when she, her young children, and others were there.

He was originally charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault, but in an agreement with prosecutors last month he pleaded guilty to one count of that crime and to the reduced charges of reckless conduct. Cruelty to children charges were dismissed.