In the winter of 2021, a promising life was cut short in Columbus, Georgia, during a transaction that spiraled into violence. Byron De'Juan Petty, a 22-year-old Black male, was found at the intersection of 14th Avenue and 16th Street on January 7, 2021, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Born on July 21, 1998, Petty was a 2017 graduate of New Hope High School and had also attended Rust College.
He was remembered as a loving and kind individual with a smile that could light up a room.
The events that led to Petty's untimely death unfolded during what was reported to be a drug deal. Jaquarius Cole, a 20-year-old, had arranged to sell marijuana to Petty. According to court testimony, a struggle ensued inside Cole's vehicle over a handgun that Petty had in his possession. During the altercation, both men were shot. Petty was struck five times, with wounds to his throat, stomach, and back. Cole sustained a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh. Following the shooting, Petty's body was pushed from the car, and Cole drove away from the scene.
Investigators later found shell casings around Cole's car. A search of the vehicle uncovered two of Cole's guns, Petty's handgun, 16 ounces of marijuana, and $5,000 in cash. The evidence collected led to the arrest of Jaquarius Cole, who was subsequently charged with felony murder, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
In his initial court appearance in March 2021, Cole pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense attorney argued that his client acted in self-defense, claiming that Petty had pulled a gun and attempted to rob Cole, shooting him first. The defense maintained that Cole returned fire to protect himself. Despite this claim, Cole was denied bond on the felony murder charge, though a $10,000 bond was set for the drug charge.
