DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a mother accused of trying to take the law into her own hands, resulting in the shooting death of a teenager. Defendant Harris, 42, was found guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
According to the investigation, "Defendant Harris discovered a video of her daughter, who was 12 years old at the time, involved in a sexual act with a 22-year-old man, later identified as Antonio Harley." Despite being advised by the police not to seek revenge, Harris took matters into her own hands and organized a confrontation at an apartment complex.
During the confrontation, "someone in the group outside opened fire, striking Harley in the chest." Unfortunately, "Juan Newkirk, 19, who was part of the group that had come to the apartment complex with Defendant Harris, was struck and killed in the exchange of gunfire."
Following the guilty verdicts, "DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson sentenced Defendant Harris to Life with the possibility of parole, plus five years." Two others involved in the confrontation were also charged.
Harley, the 22-year-old man involved in the initial incident, was later charged with Statutory Rape, Child Molestation, and Sexual Exploitation of Children, with his case pending.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Scacco with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Eliazette Johnson, District Attorney Investigator Antoine Winston, and Victim Advocate Christy Palmer, while DeKalb County Police Department Det. Crowe led the initial investigation.