In a quiet Lawrenceville, Georgia neighborhood, the lives of two young men were tragically cut short on the evening of April 16, 2020. An Ha, a 23-year-old Asian man from Grayson, and his friend, 20-year-old Julian Talbo of Lawrenceville, were found shot to death in the lower level of a house on Racquet Club Circle. The grim discovery was made by a friend of one of the victims who had returned to the home and immediately called 911 around 8 p.m.
The Gwinnett County Police Department
quickly launched a homicide investigation. It was determined that the motive for the double homicide appeared to be drug-related. The investigation swiftly led to a suspect, and on April 17, 2020, 19-year-old Steven Thanh Tran of Kennesaw was arrested. He was charged with two counts of felony murder and three counts of aggravated assault in connection with the deaths of Ha and Talbo.
Further investigation revealed that Tran had a recent history with law enforcement, having been arrested on felony drug charges just ten days prior to the murders. In that incident, he was found with marijuana, Xanax, and codeine and had reportedly admitted to selling the drugs. He was released on his own recognizance the day after that arrest.
In February 2024, Steven Tran, then 23, faced a jury in Gwinnett County. Prosecutors presented evidence that Tran had arranged to purchase two pounds of marijuana from Ha and Talbo at the Lawrenceville residence. Instead of a transaction, Tran robbed the two men and then opened fire, firing 12 shots and killing both. Physical evidence found at Tran's home linked him to the crime, and he later confessed to the shootings.
The jury found Steven Tran guilty on multiple counts, including two counts of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. A Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge sentenced Tran to two consecutive life sentences in prison, plus an additional five years, ensuring he will be ineligible for parole.
