The ex‑boyfriend of a Kennesaw State University student who was fatally shot on campus has pleaded guilty and now faces a prison term that prosecutors say will stretch for decades, even though the deal still allows him to seek parole at some point. The outcome has rekindled concern about campus safety and about how the Atlanta‑area school supports students dealing with dating violence. Friends and classmates have described the victim as a standout student with her sights set on a health‑care career.
According to WSB‑TV, 21‑year‑old Alasia Franklin died on May 18, 2024, after she was shot outside a residence hall on Kennesaw State’s campus. The outlet reports that Samuel Harris pleaded guilty this week to malice murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and related counts. Investigators say Harris took Franklin’s phone, car and other belongings after the shooting before leaving the scene.
Initial reports described a campuswide shelter in place and a rapid manhunt. FOX5 Atlanta reported that Harris, whom family members said grew up with Franklin in Cairo, Ga., was arrested roughly 10 miles from campus and later indicted on multiple counts. People noted that Franklin was a dean’s‑list student who hoped to become a nurse practitioner.
Plea deal and sentence details
Prosecutors say the plea resolves the major charges against Harris and locks in a long term of years while still keeping parole eligibility on the table for a later date. The negotiated outcome, they say, guarantees that Harris will remain behind bars for decades, with any future parole review governed by the court’s formal sentencing order.
Campus reaction and memorials
Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil after the killing, and classmates used the moment to call for more robust support systems, WALB reported. KSU student groups and local advocates have urged the university to expand domestic‑violence resources and clarify safety protocols for students living on or near campus. Family and friends have repeatedly remembered Franklin as humble, driven and deeply focused on her future.
The case remains under the supervision of the Cobb County Superior Court as prosecutors and the defense finish the paperwork tied to the plea, officials previously told FOX5 Atlanta. Public court records are expected to spell out the final sentencing terms and any timetable for parole review.
