Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr. announced on April 26, 2024, that a jury found Elijah Bailey, 20, and Miguel Romo, 21, guilty for their involvement in a crime spree that spanned 48 hours and resulted in the death of a father inside his home. The defendants were convicted of murder, home invasion, attempted armed robbery, armed robbery, three counts of aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and two counts of possession of firearm charges for incidents that occurred on January 14, 2020. Bailey was also found guilty of an additional two counts of armed robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, and possession of firearm charge for an incident that happened 48 hours prior.
The series of crimes began just before midnight on January 11 when Bailey along with Damion Shropshire and Samuel Mallard targeted strangers to rob at gunpoint at Hurt Road Park. They robbed a young couple at gunpoint stealing various items including a Colt M1911.
Two days later the trio returned to the park accompanied by Romo intending to commit further robberies. They encountered a new father watching the National Championship game on his phone outside his car. After robbing him under the pretense of asking for a cigarette they left him stranded in the parking lot while they fled with his belongings including his car.
The crime spree continued as they moved onto Alta Mill apartment complex where they attempted to rob Daquan Murphy at gunpoint. In an attempt to protect his sleeping girlfriend and daughter Murphy tried to close his door but was shot by Shropshire through the door causing fatal injuries.
Following these events Cobb County Police initiated an investigation leading to the arrest of Bailey on January 15 followed by Shropshire and Mallard's identification the next day. During Mallard’s attempted arrest he pulled a gun on officers and was fatally shot whereas Shropshire was arrested without incident. Romo was identified and arrested on January 24.
Shropshire accepted responsibility for his actions and entered a plea in March of 2023, resulting in a life sentence. During Bailey and Romo’s trial, the jury was presented with substantial evidence including incriminating text messages from the defendants. They were sentenced to life plus 130 years and life plus 90 years respectively. “Only a monster can point a gun at an 18-month-old baby,” said Judge Julie Adams Jacobs during sentencing.
“Cobb County will not tolerate ruthless gun violence. What these young men treated as a game forever changed the lives of five citizens and ended the life of a young father. These sentences ensure that no other member of our community will be terrorized by these men.” said District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr.
The case was tried by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Green along with Clay Thompson while Lee Fudger and Michael Edmunds represented the defendants.