In the quiet community of Norman Park, Georgia, the life of 68-year-old John David Hester Sr. came to a tragic and unexpected end in the summer of 2015. A retired resident known and loved in his small town, his final moments were a testament to his protective instincts as a father.
On the night of July 5th, a group of seven teenagers descended upon the neighborhood with the intent to rob the home of Hester's son, who lived across the street.
Alerted to their presence, Hester armed himself with a shotgun and went to confront the individuals at the end of his driveway. An exchange of gunfire ensued, and in the chaos, Hester was struck by a single bullet to his leg. Despite the severe injury, he managed to make his way back to his house, some 30 to 40 yards away, where he informed his wife that he had been shot.
Emergency services were called, and Hester was initially rushed to Colquitt Regional Medical Center before being transferred to Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville. However, the damage from the gunshot wound proved to be too severe. Ten hours after the confrontation, on the morning of July 6, 2015, John Hester Sr. succumbed to his injury.
The investigation that followed quickly led to the apprehension of seven teenage suspects. They were identified as 19-year-old Adrian Robinson, 18-year-olds Brandon Wynn, Christian Glover, Derrick Phillips, Ty'Cameron Hayes, and I-Key Pinkins, along with 17-year-old Tykerious Jones. All seven were charged with murder and criminal intent to commit armed robbery. The investigation revealed that the firearm used in the shooting had been stolen by some of the teens during a burglary earlier that same day. Authorities believe the teenagers' original plan was robbery and that the encounter with Hester turned the situation fatal.
