In the winter of 2016, a botched robbery in a northwest Atlanta apartment tragically ended the life of 27-year-old Billy Joe Favors, an African American male. On the afternoon of December 13th, Favors, along with his accomplice and friend Cornelius Edwards, planned to rob two men, Marvin Goodman and Delvin Phillips, under the pretense of a marijuana deal.
Edwards, who knew Goodman as a former co-worker, orchestrated the setup, directing the two men to an apartment on Holly Street.
Once inside, Goodman and Phillips were met by Favors, who was armed with a gun. However, the intended victims were not easily intimidated. Phillips, who was also armed, drew his own weapon and a shootout ensued. During the exchange of gunfire, both Phillips and Favors were struck. Phillips sustained wounds to his arm and chest but ultimately survived. Favors was also shot in the chest and arm and died at the scene from his injuries.
Although Cornelius Edwards did not fire the shot that killed his friend, his role as the mastermind of the armed robbery led to his arrest. Under Georgia law, he was held responsible for the death that occurred during the commission of the felony he orchestrated. In 2018, a Fulton County jury found Edwards guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal attempt to commit armed robbery. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison plus an additional five years. A recorded phone conversation between Edwards and one of Favors' relatives, in which he admitted to planning the robbery, was a key piece of evidence in his conviction. The Georgia Supreme Court later upheld his convictions on appeal.
