In the early morning hours of October 2, 2016, the life of 20-year-old Devonte Marquis “Mooki” Coney was tragically cut short in a wave of violence that erupted at a nightclub in Swainsboro, Georgia. Coney, a male, was with two friends at Flat's Lounge when a dispute ignited, leading to gunfire. As patrons scrambled for safety, Coney was fatally struck in the head by a stray bullet.
The investigation into the chaotic scene quickly pointed to David Lee Sharpe as a person of interest. Law enforcement received a 911 call from a customer at a nearby Huddle House who recognized Sharpe and overheard him bragging about his involvement in the shooting. When officers arrived at the restaurant, Sharpe made a dash for the women's restroom in an attempt to discard a Glock firearm. His efforts were futile, and he was apprehended. Swabs taken from Sharpe's hands and clothing later tested positive for gunshot residue.
In December 2016, an Emanuel County grand jury indicted Sharpe on multiple charges, including malice murder and felony murder. During his trial in July 2017, the jury heard testimony from witnesses and was presented with evidence that included surveillance footage from the club and a recorded statement from an individual who identified Sharpe as one of the shooters. Though acquitted of malice murder, David Lee Sharpe was found guilty of felony murder, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for the felony murder conviction, with additional consecutive and concurrent sentences for the other charges. In a later appeal, Sharpe's conviction for theft by receiving stolen property was reversed, but the other convictions, including that for the murder of Devonte Coney, were affirmed.
