Milton McDowell Sentenced to Life for 2004 Murder of Christopher Champion

Defendant Shot Victim Repeatedly After He Fell to Ground,
Kicking Him as He Lay Dying

Atlanta—Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that, following his conviction, Milton McDowell (32) has been sentenced to life in prison (plus five years) for the 17 February 2004 murder of Christopher Champion (21). McDowell was found guilty of felony murder (two counts), aggravated assault (two counts), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Mr. Champion and Tiara McDowell—his ex-girlfriend and the sister of the defendant—had had a verbal altercation earlier in the day, and he asked her to return his personal items to him. Accompanied by the defendant and his wife, she brought the items to his apartment at 1610 Sandtown Road in southwest Atlanta. Mr. Champion was not at home, so she began leaving the bags on the porch. When the victim arrived home, another verbal argument ensued between them. At some point during the argument, the victim threw a bag of clothing at Ms. McDowell. The defendant then jumped out of the car with a gun. The two men struggled over the gun briefly, and the victim ran. The defendant chased after him and began firing. The victim was struck and fell. The defendant then stood over him and fired five more shots. As Mr. Champion lay dying, the defendant kicked him several times before fleeing the scene on foot.

Senior Assistant District Attorneys Shukura Ingram and Jason Green prosecuted the case. Atlanta Police Detective N. Redlinger investigated. Judge Thomas Campbell presided.

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