On August 2, 2024, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of a Riverdale man for the murder of Joshua Quaintance following a confrontation at a birthday party.
Brian Garfield Fort, 21, was found guilty by a jury on charges of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The incident occurred on March 12, 2023.
The investigation revealed that officers from the DeKalb County Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at a home in the 2400 block of Hillside Avenue in unincorporated Decatur. Upon arrival, they spoke with the property owner who had been alerted by a neighbor about the gunshots. The house was searched but no crime scene or individuals were found inside. Officers did discover several bottles of alcohol, numerous dollar bills on the kitchen counter, and a birthday cake with "BIN" written on it.
An officer subsequently went to a nearby hospital where witnesses had taken Quaintance. Hospital staff confirmed that Quaintance was pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m.
Quaintance’s sister recounted that she and her brother attended the birthday party at the rental house. Upon arrival, they were informed by an individual identified as “Bin” that the party was over and attendees were heading to a club. As they left, Quaintance made a comment over the phone which led to an altercation involving several individuals armed with guns. Surveillance footage captured part of this confrontation.
According to his sister's account, Quaintance attempted to leave but was followed down the street by “Bin,” who then fired multiple shots. Investigators used social media to identify “Bin” as Defendant Fort. In his statement to police, Fort admitted hosting the birthday party and bringing out a gun during an ensuing fight but claimed he fired because Quaintance appeared armed—a claim not supported by evidence.
Following the guilty verdicts, Judge Brian K. Ross sentenced Fort to Life Without Parole plus five years.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Atakora with support from Assistant District Attorney Eliazette Johnson, Investigator Tiffany Edwards, and Supervising Victim Advocate Ikwo Nyong. Detective Wright led the initial investigation for DeKalb County Police Department.