Two Wanted for Murder of Atlanta Woman Have Been Arrested

Atlanta charity worker, Beverly Jenkins, was found shot in the head near the intersection of Hopkins Street and Westview Drive in SW Atlanta this past August. Jenkins was allegedly driving home from her job at a homeless mothers' center (City of Refuge) when she was shot and killed on August 18th. 

According to the Atlanta Police Department and investigators assigned to the case, there are two suspects believed to be involved in the death of Jenkins. Both suspects have been sought after by authorities on charges of murder. 

The first suspect, Adarius Jones, was arrested on Wednesday, and the second suspect, Khalid Bays, turned himself in on Friday. 

Homicide offenses can be very difficult to understand without an experienced Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyer. Quite frequently, we hear terms such as:

• Voluntary Manslaughter in Georgia
• Involuntary Manslaughter in Georgia
• Felony Murder in Georgia
• Murder in Georgia (both first degree and second degree)

The two boys in the story I expanded on above have been charged with murder in the city of Atlanta. In today's post, I will explain what is legally required to be found guilty of murder.

Murder in Georgia

According to the Georgia Code, the law concerning murder in the state of Georgia is as follows:

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).

By law, the term “malice” means a wicked or corrupt motive. It can also mean having an intention to do evil. However, the result must be fatal with an unlawful objective to kill without either justification or mitigation. 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

As an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney, I try my best to highlight the very concept that our judicial system is based on, which is innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that everyone has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

An accusation does not mean a guilty sentence. An arrest does not mean a conviction. 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, contact our offices today.