In the quiet town of Pelham, Georgia, the community was shaken by the violent death of a beloved local business owner. Robert 'Bob' Bettison, a 79-year-old male, was a familiar face to many as the proprietor of Bettison's Grocery. In October of 2018, his life was tragically cut short during an armed robbery at his store. The incident, which resulted in his death, left a profound impact on the small town he served for so many years.
The investigation into the death of Bettison swiftly led
authorities to two suspects, Jerrod Johnson and Herbert Lamar Laster. Evidence presented during the subsequent legal proceedings painted a grim picture of the events that transpired. Surveillance footage from inside the store, as well as from a nearby business, proved crucial in identifying the two men. Prosecutors argued that the crime was a coordinated effort. They detailed how Laster allegedly created a diversion by purchasing a bag of chips to distract the elderly shopkeeper. This provided an opening for Johnson to attack from behind, taking Bettison's own revolver.
The robbery took a brutal turn when Johnson shot Bettison and fled with two bank bags. Upon discovering the bags were empty, Johnson returned to the store and shot Bettison again, this time stealing almost $400. A medical examiner later testified that Bettison had suffered three gunshot wounds, with bullets striking his chest, lungs, and brain. The investigation led to the arrest of both Johnson and Laster, who were indicted in January 2019 on multiple charges, including felony murder, armed robbery, and malice murder.
The trial, held in July 2019, brought the harrowing details of the case to light. After the presentation of evidence, including the compelling surveillance videos and testimony from Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents, the jury delivered its verdict. Jerrod Johnson was found guilty on all charges. Herbert Lamar Laster was convicted of felony murder, armed robbery, and two counts of aggravated assault but was acquitted of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Following the verdict, the judge handed down severe sentences to both men. Each received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring they would be held accountable for the senseless death of Robert Bettison. Johnson was also given additional concurrent sentences of 20 years for armed robbery and five years for the firearm charge.
