A 24-year-old Augusta man was found guilty of murder and other charges Friday, March 4.
The Richmond County Superior Court jury deliberated just under two hours Friday before finding Jamal Moss guilty of murder and one count of violation of the state’s Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
The jury acquitted Moss of aggravated assault, cruelty to children, and multiple counts of violation of the state’s Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act and weapons charges.
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The charges involved two shootings that took place June 3, 2018. In the second shooting on Alpine Road, 25-year-old Mishon Robinson was killed.
Assistant District Attorney Ryne Cox told the jury in his closing statement that Moss was humiliated when he was jumped by several people on June 3, 2018. But for the maximum of a 90-second beating, Moss was determined to make someone pay to ensure he maintained his position in a local Bloods gang, Billy Bad Ass, Cox said.
First Moss shot up the Wrightsboro Road apartment home of the man who jumped on him, Christian Miller. Inside were Moss and children. When he failed to draw blood there, Moss went to an apartment complex on Alphine Road. There he found Robinson, the man who was supposed to be a fellow gang member. But instead of standing by Moss when he was getting beat up, the prosecutor said, Robinson stood by passively and then left with the assailants.
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Robinson was killed “because of stupid kid stuff,” Cox argued. “(And it) had everything to do with a gang.”
Moss’ defense attorney Kelly Williamson told the jury that Moss was entitled to defend himself, even if he wasn’t living in the best neighborhood in Augusta. Everyone is entitled to be treated equally. But after no one intervened when Moss was attacked, he did go home and get a gun for protection, Williamson said.
Moss was only trying to hang out with friends later that day when he was accosted again, Williamson said. He didn’t go looking for trouble, but when it came to him, the law allowed Moss to protect himself, she said.
Chief Judge Daniel J. Craig intends to sentence Moss on Monday.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
