In what began as a domestic dispute, a 30-year-old African American male named Dwayne Pete tragically lost his life on March 5, 2018, in his Norcross, Georgia apartment. The fatal incident occurred as his wife, Willona Pete, was in the process of moving out of their shared residence, intending to relocate to South Carolina. Assisting her with the move was 18-year-old Jerry Bennett of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The situation escalated into a physical altercation when Dwayne Pete reportedly pushed his wife during a heated argument. In response to this, Jerry Bennett intervened, shooting Dwayne Pete once in the chest. Following the shooting, both Willona Pete and Jerry Bennett attempted to render aid by applying pressure to the wound and promptly calling for emergency services. First responders arrived at the scene and transported Dwayne Pete to a local hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Gwinnett County Police were dispatched to the apartment around midnight and launched an investigation into the shooting. Based on their findings and interviews with those present, Jerry Bennett was arrested and subsequently charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. He was taken into custody and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. The investigation revealed a history of domestic issues between Dwayne and Willona Pete, with police having been called to their residence on multiple occasions for disturbances.
