In a Kennesaw, Georgia, apartment complex on March 9, 2022, 24-year-old Ethan Wackermann was shot and killed. The young father, who was engaged to be married, was found deceased by authorities inside the residence of Conner Harrison Beck. An investigation revealed that Wackermann had been shot six times, with wounds to his temple, head, neck, chest, abdomen, and back.
The events leading up to the fatal shooting began to surface as investigators spoke with Wackermann's cousin, who had been on the phone with him just before his death. The cousin reported hearing an argument between Wackermann and Beck, which seemed to resolve before the call ended. However, approximately ten minutes later, Beck opened fire on Wackermann. It was more than an hour before Beck contacted 911 to report the shooting.
Conner Harrison Beck, who was 26 at the time, was arrested on the same day as the shooting. A search of his apartment uncovered a significant drug operation, with investigators seizing at least 10 pounds of marijuana, numerous THC cartridges, 13 firearms, including an illegal sawed-off rifle, and other evidence of drug sales. Beck was initially charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and trafficking marijuana.
In February 2024, Beck, then 27, entered into a negotiated plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, along with aggravated assault, trafficking in marijuana, possession of a schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of an illegal weapon. A judge sentenced Beck to 90 years, with the first 40 years to be served in confinement.
