A Stockbridge teenager, identified as Jakari Naki Childs, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, following a conviction of multiple charges including Malice Murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old schoolmate, detailed by the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office. The incident, which took place next Tuesday, led to the death of Jacob Johnson outside an IHOP restaurant in Lithonia, Georgia.
As of June 20, Childs was found guilty by a jury trial, on charges that also comprised Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, in addition to unlawfully possessing a pistol or revolver as a person under 18 years old. Directly sentenced by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey K. Hydrick today presiding over the case, Childs received life with parole, plus an additional six years, the latter to be served consecutively, as reported by the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office.
Childs was 16 years old when he arrived unannounced at the Panola Road IHOP, where both the victim and his ex-girlfriend worked, leading to a tragic confrontation. After being notified about Childs' arrival by Johnson, Childs exited the restaurant, was noticed with a handgun by several employees, and ultimately shot Johnson beside Childs' ex-girlfriend who went outside to speak with him, according to witnesses. In the chaotic aftermath, the ex-girlfriend sought help from a nearby business, urging them to call emergency services, but Johnson succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The successful prosecution of the case by the SB 440 Unit, which falls under the office of DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston, was led by Senior Assistant District Attorney Buffy Thomas. The team included assistance from Senior Assistant District Attorney Jordan Riser and support from District Attorney Investigator Jacqueline Robinson, with Victim Advocates Tonesha Bivins and Chloe Elster also contributing, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office statement. The initial investigation was conducted by DeKalb County Police Department Detective V.T. Redrick.
