I-R-C STREET GANG HEADS TO TRIAL FOR FIRST OF EIGHT MURDERS

Victim Gunned Down at Local Nightclub

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the start of trial on Monday, April 13, 2009 for members of the criminal street gang known as the International Robbing Crew (IRC). On June 27, 2008, a Fulton County Grand Jury returned a 60-count indictment charging twelve (12) members of the IRC with eight (8) murders, participation in criminal street gang activity, and other related charges. Six (6) of the twelve (12) members including Tiffany Bankston, Carlos Drennon, Maurice Hargrove, Edward Morris, Vincent Troy Morris and Daquan Stevens will stand trial for one of the eight of the murders allegedly tied to the gang. The Court ordered the other cases be tried individually. The State however, under the Georgia Criminal Street Gang Act, will introduce evidence of the other crimes.

This is the largest case involving gang-activity ever tried in Fulton County. The State believes the IRC gang may be involved it at least three (3) other murders in various jurisdictions.

Jury selection begins at 9 a.m., Courtroom 1C, in Fulton County Superior Court with Judge Henry Newkirk presiding.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov