District Attorney Paul Howard Announces Convictions in Murder of David Cook

Defendants Sentenced to Life in Prison plus 33 Years for
Vicious Stabbing Death at Buckhead Highrise

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that Joseph Hall, Jr. (20) and Edward McCloud (22)-both of Alabama-have been convicted for the 10 April 2002 murder of David K. Cook (41). Both Hall and McCloud were found guilty of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault (two counts each), theft by taking, and financial transaction card theft and have been sentenced to life in prison plus 33 years to be served consecutively. The defendants bound Mr. Cook's hands and feet, stabbed him over 40 times, and cut his throat in his home on the 28th floor of the Grandview condominiums at 3481 Lakeside Drive in Atlanta. They then stole his car and credit card.

"We are extremely pleased with the verdict in this terrible case," says Mr. Howard. "As Judge Baxter said when he sentenced these defendants, 'This is justice.'"

Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Staten-Hayes and Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Patricia Jackson prosecuted the case, Atlanta Police Detective R.S. Walden investigated, and Judge Jerry Baxter presided.

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