LIFE SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO KILLED FRIEND FOR “LOUD TALKING”

State vs. Benjamin Green

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces a guilty verdict in the State’s case against 66-year old Benjamin Green. Green was convicted Wednesday of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Knife During a Felony for the death of 54-year old Ronnie Cantrell of Atlanta.

Cantrell was killed on August 4, 2007 at the Atlanta apartment he shared with his wife and the defendant Benjamin Green. Green was on the phone with a relative discussing funeral arrangements when he asked the victim to be quiet so he could hear the caller. The victim continued talking loudly. Green then went to his bedroom and returned with a pocket knife. The victim’s niece who was visiting intervened and calmed the situation. The three continued to talk and drink. The victim then said to the defendant “You wasn’t gonna do anything. The blade wasn’t even out.” Green then stood up and stabbed Cantrell in the chest. Before he could stab him second time, the niece once again intervened—restraining the defendant and grabbing the knife from his grasp. The victim’s wife who had been resting in a back bedroom came rushing out when she heard screams. Her husband lay dying on the floor. Green was sentenced to Life plus five years.

Judge Ural Glanville presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Fani Willis and Senior ADA Daysha Young with assistance from Investigator Beth Suber. Detective A.C. Smith from the Atlanta Police Department lead the initial investigation.

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