RINGLEADER OF NOTORIOUS WEST END ROBBING CREW GETS LIFE FOR KILLING HIS ASSOCIATE

Conviction Signals End to String of Violent Murders and Robberies

Atlanta- A Fulton County Jury has returned a guilty verdict in the murder case against Leonard Devon Holland (aka Shaheed Rahman) in the March 2002 death of 37-year old James Gary Jones. Holland, 39, was convicted of Murder, Felony Murder, Theft by Taking and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

According to the investigation, the victim and defendant were part of a violent robbing crew in the West End area lead by Holland. On the night of the murder, the two men teamed up with a third man, Hussain Abdullah, to buy some guns at a Sells Avenue address. They drove to the location in the victim’s truck. When they arrived at the house, Abdullah stayed behind in the car, while Holland and Jones walked up the driveway. As Jones walked ahead, the defendant shot him once in the back of the head and then twice in the torso. He stole the victim’s keys and drove away with the witness, Mr. Abdullah. The two wiped down the truck and then abandoned it. They walked to a nearby gas station where they were picked up by a friend. The case went unsolved for a year until the eyewitness came forward to police. The defendant eventually confessed to the murder a year and a half later in September 2004. Because of four previous felony convictions involving guns and violence, Holland was sentenced to life plus 15-years. He will not be eligible for parole.

Superior Court Judge Stephanie Manis presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Linda Dunikoski with assistance from D-A Investigator Michael Green. Detectives M. Anthony and B. Render from the Atlanta Police Department lead the initial investigation.

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