DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Jan 30, 2024, that three defendants have been convicted in an armed robbery case at a condominium in Stone Mountain. The defendants, Darnell Reed, 30, Donnell Reed, 30, and Christin Scales, 24, were found guilty on multiple charges stemming from an incident on October 6, 2021.
According to the investigation, the male victim had met Defendant Scales online and they had arranged to meet up for a payment in exchange for sex. However, when the victim arrived at the address, Defendant Scales instructed him to park away from the building. As they were preparing to engage in the agreed activity, Defendant Scales kept delaying, causing the victim to become suspicious.
Suddenly, Defendants Donnell and Darnell Reed emerged from one of the unit's bedrooms armed with guns. Defendant Donnell Reed struck the victim with his gun and demanded his car keys. Meanwhile, Defendant Darnell Reed held the victim at gunpoint while his brother and Defendant Scales drove off in the victim's car. They later abandoned the car in a nearby residential area.
While the other two defendants were gone, the victim seized the opportunity to try and grab Defendant Darnell Reed's gun. A struggle ensued, and during the altercation, the gun went off, injuring Defendant Darnell Reed. In an attempt to escape, the victim was shot in the back as he ran out of the door. He managed to attract help from neighbors and a MARTA bus driver who called 911.
Surveillance footage from a neighbor's camera captured Defendant Darnell Reed limping across the parking lot to his mother and sister's unit in the same complex. Defendants Scales and Donnell Reed picked up Darnell and took him to a nearby gas station. Eventually, Defendant Donnell Reed called 911, and when the ambulance arrived, he and Defendant Scales left the scene.
During the trial, the victim positively identified Defendant Scales and Defendant Donnell Reed in a photo line-up. The jury returned guilty verdicts for all three defendants. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, who presided over the trial, sentenced Defendant Scales to 15 years, with 10 years to be served in confinement and the remaining time on probation. Defendant Darnell Reed received a sentence of 30 years, with 20 years to be served in confinement and the remaining 10 on probation. Defendant Donnell Reed's sentencing hearing has been scheduled for February 9.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Tarver, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Li Sapp. District Attorney Investigator Jose Berrones and Victim Advocate Desiree Livingston also played important roles in the case. Former DeKalb County Police Department Detective Edwin Perkins, now with the District Attorney's Office, led the initial investigation.
The conviction of these three defendants highlights the successful collaboration between law enforcement and the district attorney's office in ensuring justice for the victims of violent crimes.