THREE MEN GUILTY IN SHOOTING DEATH OF EXPECTANT DAD

Shooter Adrian White Sentenced to Life, Plus 20 Years, Plus 5 Years to Serve Consecutively

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction of Adrian Victerro White and Demario Thorton in the September 8, 2004 shooting death in Union City of 29-year-old Anthony Jones. Yesterday, a Fulton County Superior Court jury found 21-year-old White guilty on all counts-murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Thornton, who will turn 22-years-old on November 15th, was convicted of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct. The third defendant indicted in the case, 21-year-old Marquez Webb, led police to the murder weapon, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and testified for the State. All three were 18-years-old when the murder was committed.

The confrontation between the victim and a group of 5 or 6 boys took place in the parking lot of the Shannon Crest Apartments at 6350 Oakley Road in Union City. When Jones and his pregnant girlfriend drove up in a moving truck, the group accused him of giving them a dirty look. Words were exchanged, then pushing and shoving, finally defendant Thornton pulled out a handgun. Defendant White took it from him and shot the victim in the head. As he lay bleeding to death, all three defendants kicked, spat on and beat Jones. Defendant White hit him about the head with the gun. The victim died at the scene.

Superior Court Judge Thelma W. Moore sentenced defendant White to life in prison, plus 20 years, plus 5 years to be served consecutively. Thornton was sentenced to ten years to serve 3 in prison, 7 on probation. Webb was sentenced to 5 years probation. District Attorney Howard says, "All murders are senseless, but to kill someone because you thought they gave you a dirty look…it's just crazy. What a waste of young lives."

The case was tried by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Tammi Fuller and Eric Dunaway of the Major Case Unit, with assistance from Deputy DA Bettieanne Hart and Senior ADA Liz Baker of the Appeals Unit. Patrice Nesbitt and Marshall English of the DA's Investigations Unit, and Lt. Lee Brown and Detective Mike Jones of the Union City Police Department gathered evidence during case preparation. Jennie Tice served as the victim-witness advocate.

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