FOILED DRUG DEAL ENDS IN MURDER, JURY CONVICTS KILLER

State vs. Chavarious Johnson

Atlanta- Sentencing is set for Monday at 10:30 in the State’s case against 32-year old Chavarious Johnson. A Fulton County jury convicted Johnson Wednesday on two counts each of Felony Murder and Armed Robbery as well as single count Aggravated Assault and weapons charges in the death of 25-year old Elvis Daniels.

Daniels was killed on March 30, 2008 during a drug deal with the defendant. Investigators say Daniels and his friend Kendrick “Kenny” Norwood were attempting to sell some marijuana to the defendant and two other people in the parking lot of the Colonial Square Apartments in Southwest Atlanta. During the buy, the defendant pulled out a nine millimeter gun, and stole the victim’s drugs and the friend’s money. When the defendant tried to steal the victim’s money as well, he fought back and then tried to run. The defendant and an unknown suspect opened fire killing Daniels. His friend, Kenny Norwood, was able to escape.

While investigating this case, authorities received a tip that the defendant was involved in another shooting in Dekalb County 11 days after Daniels’ murder. The victim in the second shooting incident identified Johnson in a line-up and at trial as the man who attempted to kill him by opening fire with a semi-automatic weapon. He was shot in the leg.

Superior Court Judge Tom Campbell presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lance Cross with assistance from DA Investigator Kip Young. Detective Brett Zimbrick of the Atlanta Police Department lead the initial investigation.

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