Deriel Coleman Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2003 Death of Eddie Sanders

Father of Five Killed as Defendant Flees from Police, Wife Seriously Injured

Atlanta—Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that, following his guilty plea, Deriel Coleman (20) has been sentenced to life in prison for the 17 December 2003 death of Eddie Sanders (26) during the defendant’s flight from police. Coleman pleaded guilty to felony murder. Prior to the fatal collision, the defendant offered a young woman, Tameya Clark (19), a ride at Greenbriar Mall. Once in the car, Coleman produced a gun and demanded her money. He then told her to get out of the vehicle and shot at her. Police officers in the area heard the shot and observed the defendant fleeing the scene near the intersection of Tift and Gillette Avenues in southwest Atlanta. Coleman then took the police on a high-speed chase, which ended when the defendant crashed into Mr. Sanders’ car at the intersection of Moreland Avenue and McDonough Boulevard in southeast Atlanta. Mr. Sanders (father of five children) died at the scene, while his wife, Kimberly Sanders (27) suffered significant injury to her internal organs.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Shondeana Crews prosecuted the case. Atlanta Police Detective T. Peek investigated. Judge Stephanie Manis presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404.224.0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us