Georgia Criminal Defense Blog

A Cobb County judge ordered the suspect in a shooting spree at a Kennesaw truck rental company to be held without bond. An official of the company, Penske Truck Rental and Leasing, said that four of the five shooting victims were employees, and one was a customer. He said the victims were apparently chosen at random.

Police say the suspect opened fire at the truck rental company on January 12, killing two men and critically wounding three others. The suspect faces two counts of murder and five counts of aggravated assault.

Workplace violence is not new in Georgia. The Atlanta area has dealt with workplace violence on a much larger scale. In 1999, day trader Mark Barton shot 22 people, killing nine, at two different metro locations, this while also murdering his wife and two children.

Continue reading "Bond Denied for Suspect in Cobb Shooting Spree" »

There was much media attention over the recent search for a drunk driving suspect who was wanted for allegedly running over a deputy. According to a wtoc.com article, the man was found and arrested in Effingham County. Based on authorities’ statements, the man was stopped on US 1 for suspicion of drunk driving and allegedly failed a field sobriety test.

Before the deputy could arrest the suspect for DUI, the suspect reportedly jumped in his truck. When the officer tried to reach into the truck while the man began to drive away, the officer lost his balance and was run over by the truck after falling to the ground. Apparently, the deputy suffered major injuries and said that he had arrested this particular suspect many times before on alcohol-related charges. This time, the man may face charges relating to battery, aggravated assault, DUI, and perhaps even more offenses considering that he fled the scene of an accident and Police.

Drunk driving incidents in Georgia are not as clear-cut as many people may think. First of all, field sobriety tests can be unreliable in providing an accurate determination that a motorist is in fact intoxicated. In any case, if you find yourself pulled-over and are asked to perform a field sobriety test, you may have to perform the one leg stand, the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, and the walk and turn test. However, these tests are often left to the subjective interpretation of an officer. In some situations, a driver may not fully understand a test’s instructions or may have problems with all or at least one of the tests due to a physical disability, yet, he or she may still be arrested for drunk driving.

Being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be an intimidating experience, especially when a person is not thoroughly familiar with his or her legal rights. In such situations, it may be in the best interest of a suspect arrested for DUI in Georgia to obtain the legal advice and representation of an experienced Atlanta DUI defense attorney.

Continue reading "Effingham County Arrest of DUI, Deputy Hit-and-Run Suspect" »

According to a wsbtv.com report, a 21-year-old man has been arrested for murder and aggravated assault in Atlanta. The man is considered the only suspect in a shooting that took place on the campus of Spelman College on September 3, 2009. Apparently, police believe the man fired six shots into a large group of people, and that one of the gun shots killed a 19-year-old female student from Missouri. Police think that the arrested man was mixed up in a fight on campus at the time of the fatal shooting. The report also mentioned that the slain woman was most likely not an intentional target and was probably hit by a stray bullet.

This shooting incident has sparked concern amongst college officials in regards to the security on campus and the safety of teachers, staff, and students. However, law enforcement officials say that the death of the 19-year-old appears to be an isolated incident. Police also stated that although the Spelman College campus does border neighborhoods known for having high crime rates, the campus does not have history of violent crime, nor do any of the other nearby college campuses have such a history.

The article stated that it is not known at this time whether or not the arrested suspect has obtained an attorney, although it is safe to assume that it is in his best interest to seek the legal advice and representation of a skilled Atlanta violent crime defense lawyer as soon as possible. The fact that police do not believe this particular man deliberately meant to shoot and kill the deceased woman is a factor that may hold great strength in his potential case.

Continue reading "Man Arrested in Spelman College Shooting" »

A 25-year-old mother was shot and killed nearly three months ago by a disguised attacker whom investigators believe they now know the identity of. The Snellville Police Department stated in a report that they are “very close” to making an arrest and are waiting for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to analyze evidence that could bolster the strength of their case regarding the violent crime.

A witness to the murder in Georgia said that the shooter was wearing a wig and mustache as a disguise, and shot the young mother after they briefly got into a loud argument. Based on surveillance footage from the Target shopping center where the woman was killed, the shooter may have been a woman. Evidence that was sent to the GBI related to a truck belonging to the victim’s mother-in-law. Police said the mother-in-law drives a pickup truck comparable to the one that was seen at the location of the homicide.

According to the United States Uniform Crime Report, there were 47,075 violent crimes reported in Georgia in 2007, with 717 of those crimes being labeled as murders. Violent offenders are treated with some of the harshest penalties that exist. Being arrested for any type of violent crime is a serious matter and can very often leave the accused feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and confused regarding his or her future, as well as which rights he or she is entitled to under the U.S. Constitution.

Continue reading "Investigation Hints at Arrests in Snellville Shooting of Mother" »

A nydailynews.com story reported that a 22-year-old, male student from Pratt Institute suffered severe head injuries during an August 6, 2009 assault, and was placed into a medically induced coma as a result. Due to an anonymous tip from local CrimeStoppers, one teenage has been arrested in connection with the violent crime in New York, with police still searching for at least two others in connection to the assault.

Apparently, the student was walking from his apartment to campus when he was approached by five teens who demanded that he hand over his wallet. The student refused, was repeatedly punched and kicked, and, when he attempted to fight back, was hit in the head with a crowbar. The student remains in critical condition.

The one teen that has been arrested and charged with assault, robbery, and possession of stolen property is reported to be 16-years-old and has multiple, sealed arrests for crimes committed as a juvenile. The identities of two more of the student’s attackers are known to investigators, who expect they will be in custody shortly.

Continue reading "Brooklyn Assault Puts Student in a Coma: CrimeStopper Tip Leads Police to an Arrest" »

In what may be looked at by some as a desperation shot or even a “hail mary” attempt, the defense lawyers of a convicted hit-man called in a neuropsychologist and director of the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to testify that the convicted man functions at the level of a 12 year old child. Additionally the ajc.com report stated that the neuropsychologist findings explained that the accused had a temper and was reckless, and even had difficulty understanding transportation. Criminal defense lawyers are hoping that the findings will sway the jury to sentence the man to life and not to death.

The alleged hit-man was found guilty of choking and stabbing a 22 year old woman, all this while being watched by her crying baby, for the amount of $10,000 dollars. Shockingly the person who wanted this young woman dead was apparently her father-in-law. The woman’s father-in-law is a native of India who apparently was willing to do whatever it took to end his son’s marriage to an African American.

The law calls that when a case involves the death penalty, a jury can take into hand the convicted murderer’s young life, their families, and life events. The jury can also weigh the brutality of the killing and the consequences it has caused to the friends and family of the victim.

Continue reading "Hitman’s Lawyer Argues Client Functions at the Level of a 12 Year Old" »

A home invasion robbery in Mableton, GA ended with gunshots, according to a published report on 11alive News online. Police allege that the robber entered the home with his weapon at about 1pm and tied the two occupants up. One of them was able to get free of his restraints, retrieve his own pistol, and fire at the suspect, possibly injuring him before he escaped.
Police searched the area near the home which was on Nickajack Road near Fontaine Road in Mableton, but did not immediately find the suspect. They believe he may have been shot, but declared him still on the loose.

According to Georgia Code 16-8-2 "A person commits the offense of theft when he unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated."

Crimes involving the theft of another person's belongings are taken very seriously in Georgia and the legal repercussions are very harsh. Depending upon the accusations you are facing, and the monetary worth of the alleged stolen goods, you may be charged with a felony or misdemeanor and have to serve a jail or prison term and pay expensive monetary fines. In instances like this one, where theft was attempted at gunpoint by an individual who invaded another’s home, the Georgia theft charges are sure to be multiple felony charges.

Continue reading "Police Seeking Home Invasion Suspect after Gunfight" »

The nydailynews.com website reported in a story on February 9th, that a woman who described herself as the mother of New Jersey officer Martin Abreu, 25, was placing the blame of the car accident on the dead female victim and the other pedestrian who was seriously injured. Abreu is accused of driving under the influence in New York behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry when he ran over the pedestrians as they returned home to Battery Park City from a night of dancing shortly after 3:30 a.m.

Abreu’s mother claimed that the couple was crossing West St. against the light. She said, “It was her (the dead victim’s) fault.”

Police refused to declare whether the couple had crossed against the light or not. Having no shame, the women continued with her absurd statements saying, “So my son went out and had a couple of drinks. He deserves to have a good time now and then.”

Marilyn Feng, 26, died at the scene. She had just recently graduated from New York University Law School and was preparing to take the bar this summer. Dennis Loffredo, 26, was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan were he is recovering from leg and head injuries.

Abreu was suspended from his job and is being charged with a violent crime in New York for vehicular manslaughter along with his DWI charge.

Facing a DWI connected with vehicular manslaughter is a scary experience that carries serious jail sentences. Not only does a person endure the horrifying and humiliating experience of being arrested, they then have to appear in court where he or she will have to face the prosecutor against him, the judge, and all of the State's prosecutorial power. Contact the experienced Georgia and New York criminal defense attorneys at Conaway & Strickler, PC who can help you during these most difficult times. Please call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

A nydailenws.com report from February, 11th stated that Rosario Prestigiacomo, 64 was killed with a knife while inside his apartment in Ridgewood on Green Ave. According to police reports, Prestigiacomo was the landlord there and family relatives said that he owned the apartment. Police were investigating and did not know if Prestigiacomo knew his killer.

Rosa Adele was distraught in her Florida home and said, “It is a real big shock.”

Aggravated assault is a crime in which a person illegally attempts to and is able to commit violence against another individual. Listed below are some examples of crimes which may constitute assault in New York:

• Assault with a deadly weapon


• Assault with intent to cause serious physical pain


• Physically attacking an individual


• Threatening to cause physical harm


• Causing fear in others by threats or endangerment


• Intention to commit battery

Amongst the severest violent crime is homicide; this is a situation in which one person kills another person. If you have been arrested for, or charged with homicide in New York or Georgia you may be facing very serious consequences and should hire an aggressive Georgia or New York violent crime lawyer from Conaway & Strickler, PC right away. There is a lot at stake, and depending upon your situation, you may be facing a life sentence, which is why you are in desperate need of accomplished and skilled legal representation. Do not attempt to represent yourself, there is just too much at risk. Please call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

The nydailynews.com website reported in an article on February 10, 2009 that a NYPD police officer who just graduated from the police academy had shot and wounded an 18 year old Brooklyn man, Akeem Harvey. According to police and witness reports, the NY violent crime happened outside an R&R grocery store in Brownsville at around 2:30pm. Officers from the 67th precinct stopped Harvey who they say was acting nervous, fiddling with his waistband then dashing north on Winthrop St.

An unidentified woman said, “The cops were searching the boy outside the store and he started running. The Police started chasing after him. I heard a shot. And he was down around the corner. I started crying and praying.”

Harvey was running home when a .357 magnum revolver fell from his body and he picked it up and pointed it at the police. One police officer responded by firing one shot hitting Harvey in the face. Police then found the unloaded gun under Harvey’s body.

The partner of the officer had stopped to pick up his mobile phone then came upon the pair after the shooting. Harvey is unemployed, out school, and neighbors say he hung out with the local want to be branch of the crips gang.

Anthony Hall, 51, father of Harvey said, “I don’t know anything about any gun. He’s not such a bad boy … he didn’t deserve this.”

Weapons charges can be serious charges especially when compounded with fleeing and threatening police. In order to protect your rights, you should hire an experienced Georgia and New York weapons charge attorney from Conaway & Strickler immediately. Client service is always their mission. Winning is always their goal. Please call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

The nydailynews.com website reported in an article on February 11, 2009 that two men began shooting at each other outside the entrance to the Gun Hill Rd. No. 5 train station located at the busy intersection of DeWitt Pl. and East Gun Hill Rd. Occurring just before 9 a.m. the sidewalks were full of people who scrambled for cover when the shooting erupted. According to the police, an unidentified woman was shot in the arm while an unidentified man was slightly grazed by a bullet in the leg in this violent crime in New York.

Mohammed Hayan, manager of the Best Stop Deli on Gun Hill Rd. said, "A lady came in holding her arm [and] said she was shot. She kept saying 'Call an ambulance, call an ambulance - I'm shot, I'm shot.’ We gave her the phone...I didn't see any blood [but] she was holding her arm."

Witnesses say the women had gotten close to the store window to appreciate a picture of President Barack Obama when she was shot. She was taken to Jacobi Medical Center where she was listed in stable condition. Relatives identified the other victim as Darnell Cooper, 18, who was also treated at Jacobi. Police were able to arrest one of the gunmen who may have also possibly suffered a gunshot wound. His identity was not immediately disclosed. Police claim the other gunman ran into the subway station and disappeared.

Hayan said, "It's a good neighborhood but you have to be careful.”

No matter what your specific situation, if you have been accused of a violent crime in New York or Georgia, consider hiring an aggressive violent crime defense attorney at Conaway & Strickler, P.C. Being arrested for any type of violent crime is very serious, and you should not take action on your own. Please call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation with one of our skilled New York violent crime defense attorneys.

The website ajc.com reported in an account on March 13, 2009 that Rhonda Sosebee Young, 43 was apprehended in Gordon County and charged with the murder of her husband. Young’s husband Stephen Young, was found lifeless in his own home. According to Howard Ensley, Sheriff, detectives say Rhonda Young had traveled extensively across the country including Missouri, Utah, and Tennessee, just within the last couple of weeks.

Upon finding out that the cops were hot on her trail, Rhonda Young jumped in her vehicle and tried to escape, but local, state, and federal officers were faster and got their in time to block her car resulting in her arrest for the homicide in Georgia. Ensley stated that Rhonda Young received treatment for a gunshot injury received prior to her arrest. Bond was denied and she is being held at Murray County Jail.

Homicide is a situation in which one person kills another person. If you have been arrested for, or charged with homicide in Georgia you may be facing very serious consequences and should hire an aggressive and experienced Georgia criminal defense lawyer from Conaway & Strickler, P.C. right away. There is a lot at stake, and depending upon your situation, you may be facing a life sentence.

At Conaway & Strickler, P.C. their skilled Georgia violent crime defense attorneys aggressively defend the rights of clients throughout Georgia, and are nationally recognized for their successful case outcomes. For more than a decade, their lawyers have successfully defended clients charged with various violent crime felony and misdemeanor charges. Please call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

The gainesvilletimes.com website reported in an account on March 13, 2008 that Cornelio Zamites will plead guilty to the rape and homicide in Georgia of a 4 year old girl. Zamites agreed in order to avoid the death penalty and the district attorney agreed on this plea in order to secure a conviction.

Through an interpreter Esmeralda’s father Jesus Lopez Rios told Judge Kathlene Gosselin, “I live blaming myself sometimes because my daughter needed me as a father and I could not help her.”

The girl’s killer, Cornelio Rivera Zamites, 28, pleaded guilty Thursday to murder, rape, kidnapping with bodily injury and other offenses and was sentenced by Gosselin to life without the possibility of parole, plus three consecutive life sentences, plus 20 years.

Zamites agreed in writing that he would never appeal his Georgia sex crime and murder sentence. He declined to address the court.

Continue reading "Hall County Murder and Rape of 4 Year Old, Defendant Pleads Guilty " »

The nydailynews.com website reported in a story that there is a correction from their original story on March 13, 2009 that Officer Rafael Lora faces first degree manslaughter charges in New York for the deadly shooting of Fermin Arzu, 41, in May 2007.

According to reports Arzu was driving while intoxicated and hit parked cars outside Lora’s Longwood home. Awoken by a loud bang, the off duty Manhattan traffic officer went outside with his glock 26 to investigate. He claims to have identified himself as an officer as he approached the vehicle.

Lora said, ‘I saw a dark colored minivan with steam coming out of it."

Lora’s account states that when he opened the passenger door Arzu attacked him in the face with something he had gotten from the glove box. Then Arzu attempted to close the door and drive away.

Lora testified, "He squeezed me to the frame of the door. He put the car quickly into gear and drove away. I fired my weapon and was released from the vehicle."

Continue reading "Bronx First Degree Manslaughter Charge against Officer" »

A report from nydailynews.com stated that a convicted NYPD cop killer may have to go back to prison to finish his remaining 25 to life sentence for violating his parole. Albert Victory, 68, was convicted in 1968 for the murder of NYPD officer, John Varecha, outside a disco located in Manhattan. A judge took mercy on Victory; and he was lucky to have been released from prison in 1999, even after previously breaking out of prison. Victory was put on parole since his release and was ordered to stay away from bars and alcohol and to follow strict curfew hours remaining in his Brooklyn apartment between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Victory was observed going down the wrong direction on a one way street in Brighton Beach at about 5 a.m. Upon approaching Victory, officers came across an overwhelming stench of alcohol. Victory was taken into custody after he declined to take a field sobriety test. If convicted of drunk driving in New York, he could face a year in jail

Continue reading "New York DWI Of Cop Killer May Go Back For Life " »

The nydailynews.com website reported in an article on February 9th, that a woman who described herself as the mother of New Jersey officer Martin Abreu, 25, was placing the blame of the car accident on the dead female victim and the other pedestrian who was seriously injured. Abreu is accused of driving under the influence in New York behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry when he ran over the pedestrians as they returned home to Battery Park City from a night of dancing shortly after 3:30 a.m.

Abreu’s mother claimed that the couple was crossing West St. against the light. She said, “It was her (the dead victim’s) fault.”

Police refused to declare whether the couple had crossed against the light or not in this New York violent crime. Having no shame, the women continued with her absurd statements saying, “So my son went out and had a couple of drinks. He deserves to have a good time now and then.”

Continue reading "New York DWI Manslaughter Leaves One Alive " »

The nydailytimes.com website reported in a story on February 11th, that Manual Gaspar Latuna Sanchez, a cargo van driver, inadvertently struck and picked up a body that had already been hit, dragging it for 17 miles. According to police reports an SUV first hit a man trying to cross at 108th St. in Corona, Queens and ended nearly an hour later when someone finally was able to get the van driver’s attention.

Smelling something burning Sanchez did pull over to check the van but did not notice anything wrong. Raymond Kelly, police commissioner, said that the driver continued driving for nearly an hour until finally waved down in Brighton.

Kelly said, “People were signaling him to stop the vehicle. That’s when the body is discovered under his car.”

Continue reading "Man's Body Dragged Through Queens and Brooklyn" »

A nydailenws.com report from February, 11th stated that Rosario Prestigiacomo, 64 was killed with a knife while inside his apartment in Ridgewood on Green Ave. According to police reports, Prestigiacomo was the landlord there and family relatives said that he owned the apartment. Police were investigating and did not know if Prestigiacomo knew his killer.

Rosa Adele was distraught in her Florida home and said, “It is a real big shock.”

Aggravated assault is a crime in which a person illegally attempts to and is able to commit violence against another individual. Listed below are some examples of crimes which may constitute assault:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault with intent to cause serious physical pain
• Physically attacking an individual
• Threatening to cause physical harm
• Causing fear in others by threats or endangerment
• Intention to commit battery

Continue reading "Queens Violent Crime Kills Landlord" »

The nydailynews.com website reported in an article on February 11, 2009 that two men began shooting at each other outside the entrance to the Gun Hill Rd No. 5 train station located at the busy intersection of DeWitt Pl. and East Gun Hill Rd.

Occurring just before 9 a.m., the sidewalks were full of people who scrambled for cover when the shooting erupted. According to the police, an unidentified woman was shot in the arm while an unidentified man was slightly grazed by a bullet in the leg in this violent crime in New York.

Mohammed Hayan, manager of the Best Stop Deli on Gun Hill Rd. said, "A lady came in holding her arm [and] said she was shot. She kept saying 'Call an ambulance, call an ambulance - I'm shot, I'm shot.’ We gave her the phone...I didn't see any blood [but] she was holding her arm."

Continue reading "Bronx Violent Crime Shooting On Sidewalk Injures Pedestrians" »

A nydailynews.com report from February 10, 2009 stated that an SUV fled the scene after running down a family crossing the street. Following their mother, Ralph Nicholas was struck as he was holding his sister Sade’s hand at the intersection of Avenue H and Utica Ave in Brooklyn.

Sade Nicholas, 11 said, ‘We was getting off the bus and crossing the street. No cars was coming.”

All of a sudden an SUV going at high speed appeared from behind a stopped car and ran the stop light, running over the family. Flashing headlights was the only thing Sade remembers seeing.

Sade said, “I got up and went to my mother. She couldn’t get up.”

Her younger brother Ralph was flung onto a cab and then landed on the street with blood coming from his head.

Sade said, “I think he flew because he was all the way on the other side of the street.”

Continue reading "Brooklyn Hit And Run Critically Injures 2" »

The NY Daily News website reported in a story on January 30, 2009 that Mohammad Ishfq Ahmad, 50 was shot and killed at a gas and deli station on Staten Island located on Victory Boulevard. Ahmad had moved from Pakistan to the United States in search of a better life. He was shot in the back near the pumps at the Gulf Station in what appears to be a robbery attempt in this New York violent crime.

Fatally wounded, Ahmad was able to stumble into a neighboring convenience store before he died.

Tompkinsville owner, Zahid Cuaudry said, "He told the attendant to call the police, then he fell to the ground."

Continue reading "Staten Island Attendent Killed, No Witnesses" »

The NY Daily News website reported in a story on January 28, 2009 that two police reports show that murder victim Daniel Malakov had been involved in a heated argument with Mikhail Mallayev, 51 and another nameless Russian man a day before Malakov was murdered. Police allege that a Queen’s mom employed Mallayev to kill her husband, who was a dentist, because of an ongoing custody battle over a 4 year old daughter.

Steven Scaring, attorney for Mazoltuv Borukhova, 34 and wife, vehemently requested the police reports to attempt to assist police in tracking down the “real killer.” Borukhova is alleged to have paid Malayev $20,000 to murder her spouse in this New York violent crime.

Continue reading " Queens Man Who Killed Dentist Identified" »

The 11alive.com website reported a story on January 29, 2009 that David Latimer, 52 has been taken into custody after police found three people dead in what appeared to be a shooting. Mike McKeel, Athens-Clarke Police Lt., said Latimer shot his two sisters and brother to death. The shootings took place at a mobile home park located on Spring Valley Road. The victims were identified as Janice Carol Patterson, 57, Thomas G. Latimer, 49, and Sara Kathleen Tatum, 57. Police said no motive was given for this seemingly senseless Georgia violent crime.

There are various types of homicide, which in the United States carry with them different penalties and consequences.

Continue reading "Athens-Clarke County Man Accused of Killing 3 Siblings " »

The NY Daily News website reported in a story on January 29, that 10 inmates described as thugs were charged with the deadly beat down of Rikers inmate Christopher Robinson, 18, who had been jailed for a parole violation. The inmates are accused of being in a jail club known as “The Program.” Shaddon Beswick and Anquant Bryant, each 18, were charged with manslaughter in linking them to Robinson’s death.

Charnel Robinson, mother, said, "It’s absolutely horrible to know that I'm living here every day without my only child."

Sanford Rubenstein, Robinson’s attorney, requested a federal investigation into the incident to find out whether the killing was an “isolated incident” or an indication of a system-wide abuse.
Prosecutors said a city investigation into Robinson’s death in this NY violent crime exposed that correction officers at Rikers jail united forces with a group of inmates in order to keep order.

Continue reading "Rikers In-House Jail Beatdown Kills Man " »

The NY Daily News website reported in a story on January 29, 2009 that Rodney Lewis, 17 was shot to death by his neighbor who did not want to return a television he had borrowed.

Authorities allege that Cloves Roche, 26 was confronted by Lewis to return the 32 inch television he had borrowed. The confrontation quickly escalated from words to punches in the fourth floor hallway of the Woodrow Wilson Houses located on E. 105 St. Roche ended the fight with two gun shots, one to the leg and one to the stomach in this NY violent crime case.

Yolanda Lewis, mother of the victim, lives a floor above her son's suspected murderer said, "He went to get one of his cousin's television back. No one in their right mind is going to kill somebody over a TV. I didn't expect Rodney to go out this way."

Lewis, who attended The Manhattan School for Career Development, was rushed to Metropolitan Hospital, but was tragically pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Continue reading "Harlem Neighbor Shoots Teen Over TV" »

The NY Daily News website reported in a story on January 30, 2009 that Charles Carneglia is being accused of five murders in New York City. Marisa Seifan, Assistant United States Attorney, accused the alleged Gambino crime family hitman as being an “executioner” who murdered when he was ordered to or “felt he was disrespected.”

Carneglia sat motionless, eating gum in a courtroom packed with court officers and relatives of victims. Murdered victims in the NY violent crime case were the Court Officer Alber Gelb, an armored car driver, a gangster, and two alleged mob contacts.

Seifan said, "The defendant was an executioner. He chose murder as a way to punish Gelb for daring to stand up to a mobster. To the defendant, killing a court officer was a badge of honor." Gelb was shot in 1976, four days prior to him testifying against him in court. Dennis Quirk, State Court Officers President, came to the Brooklyn court with more than 60 officers looking for justice.

Quirk said, "He [Carneglia] is an animal. He belongs caged."

Continue reading "New York Gambino Crime “Executioner” On Trial " »

The NY Daily News website reported in a story on January 30, 2009 that Lucila Rojas, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing her newborn son. Apparently, Rojas, a Bronx resident, is accused the violent crime of smothering her infant son on a city bus, then disposing of the body in a sidewalk trash can.

Richard Buchter, Queens Supreme Court Justice, said "You've expressed some remorse. I can only infer from the monstrosity of this crime that it is weighing on your soul.”

Continue reading "Bronx Women Gets 15 Years For Dumping Baby " »

Reporter Mike Morris writes on November 7, 2008 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that a pedestrian was struck and killed by two vehicles while attempting to cross Riverdale Rd. close to Garden Walk Blvd. WBSTV reports the age of the victim as 66 years of age. The incident is being investigated by the Clayton County police as a fatality hit-and-run.

The man was crossing Riverdale Rd. when, according to police, he was struck by two autos, a Ford Expedition and a second vehicle, the make of which is still unknown to the police. It is not clear what vehicle struck the man first, only that the driver of the Expedition returned to the scene of the accident. The driver of the second vehicle that hit the victim fled the scene and is being sought by the police.

Lt. Rebecca Brown of the Clayton police department reports that the victim was not using a crosswalk when he was struck. We must all take extreme caution when walking particularly while crossing streets in the dark. Precautions such as making use of the crosswalks and making sure you are highly visible should always be adhered to. Walking in well lit areas is also a good idea.

Pedestrian accidents are very serious particularly when a fatality is involved. Whether you have been charged with a hit-and-run that may have an Atlanta DUI associated with it or any other serious crime you will need Conaway & Strickler, P.C. on your side. They are experienced and bring a whole firm of expert attorneys who will do everything they can to acquire a favorable outcome for their clients. Please call 404-816-5000 for a free consultation.

Tim Eberly and Ralph Ellis reported in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on November 09, 2008 that the trend of violent crimes in Atlanta in recent weeks has continued with three shootings over the weekend that ended the lives of three teenagers. All these young lives were taken early the morning of November 9th. The first youth to be killed was Joshua Richards, a 17 year old senior at Riverdale High School. Richards was in the backseat of a vehicle at a parking lot for a Jonesboro nightclub when he was shot to death. Richards was one of 10 children and was remembered as the peacekeeper of the family according to a family friend Vivian Maiden. “He had a way of making jokes and calming down the situations,” she said. As shortstop for Riverdale’s varsity baseball team he aspired to earn a scholarship to play college ball.

Details of what led up to the shooting are that Richards and his friends had stopped by the movies before going to the south Atlanta club. Inside the movie theater Richards was confronted by other young men who wanted to fight. Upon exiting the theater they were followed and shot while Richards sat in the back seat of a Jeep. Two of his friends riding in the auto were injured. Richards death is the second Riverdale High death in the same amount of weeks, prompting a crisis intervention team being dispatched to the school.

The other deaths happened on the southbound I-85 near Buford Highway when Blanca Badillo, 17 and Policarpo Luviano, 18 were shot while driving. Details were still being investigated for this horrific violent crime in Georgia.

These sad realities will no doubt leave family and friends scarred for life. If you or a loved one have been accused of a violent crime you need the best Atlanta criminal defense lawyers out there to protect your rights. The law offices of Conaway & Strickler, P.C. have the experience necessary to serve their clients and are nationally recognized. Winning is always their goal. Please do not hesitate to call them at 404-816-5000 for a free consultation.

According to a September 9th, 2008 article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, convicted killer James Sullivan is seeking to revisit a 2006 decision that sentenced him to life in jail. The salacious 1987 story of how Sullivan supposedly hired a hit-man to murder his wife at the time, Lita Sullivan, at her Buckland, Georgia Townhouse, captured the nation's attention. According to the prosecution, Sullivan paid a man $25,000 to court and then kill his wife. After making bail, Sullivan escaped the U.S. and fled to Thailand, where he lived in exile for nearly 18 years, before being brought back into custody here in Georgia for murder.

Many of the prosecution's original claims partially rested on testimony given by an FBI agent named Johnny Turner, who had a long history of fraud and polygraph test failures. But even after Turner's testimony was eliminated, the parties in the original case judged that there was enough evidence to convict Sullivan regardless.

Regardless of how the Georgia Supreme Court rules on Sullivan’s appeal, there is no doubt in the minds of those who have followed the proceedings closely over the years that the trial will mesmerize the state and national media once again.

If you've been charged with a serious state or federal crime, you need a veteran Georgia criminal defense attorney to review your options and strategize a best defense ASAP. Trust the law firm of Conaway & Strickler, PC, to provide top-notch representation. Conaway & Strickler have worked as assistant district attorneys, appeared as experts on numerous national television programs, taught at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and generated excellent results for Georgia defendants over their many decades of service. Call or e-mail today for a free consultation regarding your matter, or peruse www.conawayandstrickler.com for more detailed information.

Three College Park men, who were arrested after leading Cobb County police on a chase into Atlanta, have been charged in connection with the murder of a Mableton man that happened earlier in the day. According to a news article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the men who were accused of shooting and killing 37-year-old Quinton Antonio Denley were -- Donald Hatton, 23; Lincoln Boykins, 18; and Preston Whiting, 21.

Denley was reportedly shot once and killed during a robbery at a home. Later in the day Whiting is said to have got out of a vehicle driven by Hatton and fired several shots at a man walking down a road hitting him once in the lower abdomen. He did not suffer life-threatening injuries. All three men have been charged with felony murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

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