Jury selection will begin Monday for Alton Oliver, who is charged with the December 2022 killing of Fulton County Deputy James Thomas Jr. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, Oliver faces charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony after an altercation that led to the deputy’s death.
According to Atlanta News First, Thomas, 24, was off duty when the incident occurred near Bolton Road. He was found dead in a crashed vehicle shortly before 5 a.m. Details about his activities between the end of his shift and the shooting have not been disclosed. Authorities state that Oliver and Thomas did not know each other before the encounter.
Oliver had been offered a plea deal in November, which he declined, choosing to go to trial instead. The plea deal would have resulted in a life sentence without a trial.
