Two Fatal Shootings in 12 Hours within the City of Atlanta

John Paul Moore has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. This arrest is in connection with one of two fatal shootings in Atlanta in the last 12 hours. The shootings are not believed to be related. 

Moore allegedly got into an altercation early Sunday morning. The altercation ended in gunshots, and Moore has been accused of shooting and killing the other man. According to police, Moore called 911 after the shooting and reported that he had “messed up.”

Moore remains in the Fulton County Jail without bond. As an Atlanta Criminal Lawyer, I will focus on the law behind murder in today's post.

Murder in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines the criminal offense of murder in Georgia as:

A person commits the offense of murder when he unlawfully and with malice aforethought, express or implied, causes the death of another human being. O.C.G.A. §16-5-1(a).

Malice is defined as having a wicked or corrupt motive - it can also mean having an intention to do evil. The result of the malice must be fatal with an unlawful objective to kill without either justification or mitigation. Again, malice is a requirement for the criminal offense of murder. 

In order to be convicted of murder in Georgia, the prosecution must prove that the accused suspect is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the penalty can include a life sentence in prison without parole, a life sentence, or the death penalty. 

Practice Note

An arrest does not equate to a guilty sentence. Unfortunately, there are more wrongful arrests and accusations than we would like to admit, but thankfully there are Georgia Criminal Defenses that can apply in such situations. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested in the metro Atlanta area, contact an Atlanta Criminal Attorney today.