A man from Lilburn, known for his involvement in gang-related crimes, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a man during a failed robbery attempt.
On January 9, 2019, Leslie Smith, a 62-year-old individual, made a trip to Norcross with the intention of acquiring a phone from an individual associated with what the police referred to as a “counterfeiting enterprise.”
Smith made the decision to forgo the scheduled meeting spot in the apartment complex and opted to wait in the parking lot of a retail strip mall located at 6065 S. Norcross Tucker Road.
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Court documents reveal that Jordan Brantley, 27, drove up in an SUV and entered the back seat of the car where Smith was located.
The SUV driver stood beside the driver’s side and proceeded to hold Leap at gunpoint, demanding money and an ID. After taking the requested items, both the driver and Brantley fled in the SUV.
After witnessing the shooting and robbery, a brave individual decided to pursue the SUV and immediately dialed 911 to report the incident.
Police used surveillance cameras to trace Brantley’s whereabouts to the Stone Mountain Inn and Suits, located approximately six miles away. They apprehended him as he attempted to persuade a rideshare driver to assist in his escape.
Brantley and his partner in the SUV are both affiliated with the Gangster Disciples.
On Thursday, Brantley was found guilty of felony murder, along with two counts of aggravated assault, and violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
The judge handed down a sentence of life in prison, with an additional 10 years and the chance for parole.
After nine hours of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict.
