Anthony McKnight Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Gary Horning

Defendant Found Guilty for Second Time in as Many Weeks

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that, following his conviction, Anthony McKnight (26) has been sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years for the 3 July 2002 murder of Gary Horning (57). McKnight was found guilty of murder, felony murder (four counts), aggravated assault, armed robbery, burglary, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Mr. Horning, who was traveling from Michigan to Florida to visit his pregnant daughter, had stopped for the night at the Cleveland Avenue Days Inn Motel located at 2788 Forest Hills Drive in southwest Atlanta. As the victim was entering his room, McKnight came up behind him, forced himself inside the room, and shot Mr. Horning three times. “It is a tremendous relief to know that this vicious offender—who has demonstrated such utter disregard for human life—will no longer be free to prey upon innocent people in this or any other community,” says Mr. Howard.

McKnight’s sentence is to run consecutive to an eight-year prison term he is already serving for robbery as well as a life sentence plus 10 years he was handed less than two weeks ago.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Shondeana Crews prosecuted the case, and Judge John Goger presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404-224-0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us