BUCKHEAD HIT AND RUN DRIVER CONVICTED

DIONTE MAXWELL GETS LIFE PLUS 20 YEARS

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announces the conviction of 27-year-old Dionte Maxwell, also known as Jeremy Mackey, on four counts of felony murder, two counts of first degree vehicular homicide and aggravated assault on a police officer. A Fulton County jury deliberated late into the evening of June 17, 2004 to bring back guilty verdicts on 9 of the 10 counts brought against Maxwell.

Assistant District Attorney Shukura Polk presented evidence that in the early morning hours of May 31, 2002, in the crowded Buckhead bar district, Maxwell ran down and killed 35-year-old Mark Lupton-Smith, a South African who had been living in Atlanta for 9 years. Maxwell had been stopped by police for impeding traffic near Bolling Way and East Paces Ferry, when he sped off striking an officer who was chasing him on foot. Lupton-Smith, back-peddling with his hands on the hood of Maxwell's SUV, was run over as he attempted to get out of the way.

Maxwell fled to Roswell, jumped from his vehicle while being pursued and broke his leg in a fall down a flight of steps. He was identified later at the hospital by the officer he had struck in Buckhead.

Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes sentenced Maxwell to life plus 20 years. The District Attorney's office had recommended life plus 27 years. Fulton County Investigator John Richey was instrumental in the prosecution of this case.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)