ATLANTA DRUG DEALER CONVICTED OF MURDER

Gary Spencer “Executed” Victim In Front Of Crowd To Set An Example

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction today of Gary Spencer of Atlanta in the August 30, 2006 murder of 25-year-old Kenneth Morrell, also of Atlanta. After a 4-day trial including 6 hours of deliberation, the jury convicted the defendant of 2 counts of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Superior Court Judge Stephanie Manis (Courtroom 5-F) has scheduled sentencing for Friday, June 22, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

The defendant and victim had squabbled over drug turf outside a shelter for the homeless at Courtland Avenue and Pine Street in the Old Fourth Ward. The defendant claimed the victim had robbed him 2 weeks earlier. With 100-plus people congregated on the busy corner, witnesses testified Spencer pulled out a gun and “executed” Morrell to deter others who might think of robbing him. The state’s witnesses also disputed the defendant’s claim that he shot the victim in self defense. Morrell was unarmed.

Assistant District Attorney Peter Odom was assisted in the prosecution of the case by fellow ADAs Shondeana Morris and Linda Dunikoski. The case was investigated by APD Detective Michael Willis and Patrice Nesbitt of the Fulton DA’s Investigative Unit. Assistance to the victim’s family was provided by Pam Powell of the DA’s Victim-Witness Program.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us