State vs. Charles Anthony Key

District Attorney Will Not Re-Try Road Rage Case

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces today he will not re-try the case against Charles Anthony Key whose first trial ended in a hung jury.

Key, 27, is accused of shooting 24-year old Marine Jack Snook during a 2005 argument while the two drivers were stopped at a midtown traffic light. Key was indicted on voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault charges.
During his trial last month, jurors deadlocked on both charges.

District Attorney Howard says after careful consideration, he will not move forward with the case saying, "We decided to pursue this case because of my strong feelings against citizens unnecessarily taking the law into their own hands. That is what we believe happened in this case. However, because the victim, Jack Snook, got out of his vehicle and approached the car of the defendant, we must understand that even law abiding citizens may differ on the question of culpability in this incident. We have had lengthy discussions with the victim's family and former members of the jury that heard this case. We have also explored every possible angle regarding changing our trial strategy in this matter. However, after reviewing all aspects of the trial and the facts and circumstances of this incident, we have determined that it is not in the best interest of justice to re-try this case. My staff and I have great compassion for Mr. Snook and the service he provided to our country-our hearts go out to his loved ones and the great loss they have suffered. We hope this will bring them some closure albeit not the outcome they sought."

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov