The retrial of the tragic 2022 murder of Bradley Coleman, a 29-year-old father visiting from New Orleans, progresses amid the legal complexities of a case that ended in a mistrial last year. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, closing arguments have been presented in Gwinnett County against three alleged gang members: Josiah Hughley, David Booker, and Miles Collins.
In the original incident, Coleman was reportedly attacked while using the air pump at a QuikTrip in Peachtree Corners, an assault which led to his death. Hughley is suspected to be the shooter, with Booker as armed support, and Collins alleged as the getaway driver, all of whom are believed to be associated with the Nine Trey Bloods.
During the retrial that began on January 15, witnesses recounted the confrontation that took place. Speaking to FOX 5 Atlanta, one witness, Andrea Page Smith recalled hearing a gunshot and seeing the victim on the ground. Another witness, Owen Waites, dialed 911 after witnessing Coleman fall. Smith admitted during cross-examination that she did not see who fired the gunshot.
According to Atlanta News First, the jury was shown surveillance footage of the murder, and Detective Allen Harrison testified to finding Coleman with a gunshot wound to the head, next to his Dodge Charger. Further, text messages linked Collins, and Booker to a luxury rental car identified at the crime scene.
In an interview featured in the trial, Hughley admitted to the shooting, but claimed it was self-defense, saying, "It still wasn’t supposed to happen like that. Death was not even supposed to be the outcome at all," as conveyed by Atlanta News First. Additional testimony from a gang investigator is expected as the state strives to link the three men to gang activity at the time of the murder.
The emotional gravity of the case was reflected in statements made by the victim’s mother, Venetia Coleman, who told Atlanta News First, "I thank God that he has graced us to go through the process. I don’t hate anybody, but I do want them to pay for what they did to our son." With the retrial ongoing, the courtroom awaits a resolution for the Coleman family and clarity on the events that led to a young father's untimely death.
