District Attorney Keith Higgins announced on Friday, February 23, 2024, that a Glynn County jury found Alvin Eddie Canidate guilty of two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on his co-defendant, leading to a mistrial declared by Chief Judge Stephen G. Scarlett Sr. A second co-defendant in the case had previously pleaded guilty and testified at trial.
The evidence presented during the trial revealed that on December 5, 2020, Canidate and his co-defendants arranged to purchase marijuana from the victim. However, the situation quickly escalated when one of the co-defendants attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint, resulting in the victim being shot. The victim sustained serious injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Nigel Lush, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the dangers associated with drug dealing, stating, “There was no evidence the victim was a hardened drug dealer. He was going to college and was looking to make some extra money. But drug dealing is inherently dangerous, and he is extremely fortunate to be alive. The District Attorney’s Office will absolutely retry the remaining co-defendant. Criminals who bring violence to our communities must be held accountable no matter how long it takes.”
Sentencing for Canidate will be determined after the final co-defendant's case is resolved. Canidate faces a potential sentence of up to 45 years in prison.
Members of the media seeking further information can contact the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 912-554-7200.