FIGHT OVER ATLANTA DRUG TURF ENDS IN MURDER

Shooter Found Guilty, Sentenced to Life

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces a guilty verdict in the murder case against 22-year old Bilal Duvall of Atlanta. Duvall was convicted of Malice Murder, Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault for the death of Silas “Cali” Carter four years ago.

Carter was shot and killed on December 29, 2004. Authorities say he had argued with the defendant’s brother Ali Duvall earlier in the day over drug turf. The two immediately settled their differences but an hour later the defendant, Bilal Duvall, confronted the victim hoping to settle the score in his brother’s defense. Silas Carter, turned to run and the defendant opened fire shooting him in the back three times. The victim was able to crawl to a neighbor’s house who called 911. He died a short time later at Grady Memorial Hospital. Duvall fled the scene but was arrested several months later after witnesses identified him. He claimed he was not at the scene of the crime and that he did not have a brother. Jurors did not believe his defense. Superior Court Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore sentenced Duvall to Life.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Tammi Fuller prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Michael Bernard. Crispin Henry of the District Attorney’s Investigations Unit lead the internal investigation. Detective Dennis Wilson of the Atlanta Police Department was the lead detective.

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