"Diablos Gang" Members Face Life in Prison for Murders Outside Nightclub

Three Defendants Found Guilty in 2002 Shooting Deaths, Assault

Atlanta—Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that Gerard Character (27), Marcus Character (25), and Terrence Roberts (22)-all members of the "Diablos Gang" under investigation by the Atlanta Police Department-have been found guilty of malice murder (two counts each), felony murder (two counts each), aggravated assault (three counts each), and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the 10 February 2002 shooting deaths of Leonard Justice (23) and Jerry Lovejoy (25) and the wounding of Joseph Tharpe (30). The Character brothers were additionally convicted of one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The victims exited the Pool Palace Nightclub & Café at 2555 Bankhead Highway in northwest Atlanta and encountered the defendants in the parking lot. A verbal altercation ensued, and the defendants opened fire on the victims. "The convictions of these three key members of the 'Diablos Gang' will deal a significant blow to the dangerous, illegal activities in which the group is involved," says Mr. Howard.

Sentencing has been delayed until 7 May, but the defendants face a minimum of life in prison plus five years.

Senior Assistant District Attorneys Shondeana Crews, Peter Johnson, and Keith Hasson prosecuted the case, Atlanta Police Detective J. Brown investigated, and Judge Wendy Shoob presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)