An ongoing dispute between two longtime acquaintances culminated in a fatal shooting on a Sunday afternoon in Union City, Georgia, leaving a family devastated. Benjamin Netherland, 43, was shot multiple times at his residence on Raymond Terrace in an attack witnessed by his own mother. The man identified by family members and witnesses as the shooter was Michael Shane Black, 38, who was described as a childhood friend of the victim.
The tragic events unfolded when Black allegedly drove to Netherland's home and called him to come outside. Moments later, Black is said to have opened fire. Sandra Netherland, the victim's mother, was inside the house when she heard the gunshots. She rushed to the door to see her son being repeatedly shot and pleaded with the gunman to stop, but he reportedly just looked at her.
Following the incident, law enforcement located and arrested Michael Shane Black at his grandmother's house in the neighboring city of Fairburn. He was taken into custody and faced charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. In his initial court appearance, a judge ordered that Black be held without bond until a preliminary hearing could be held.
The Netherland family's pastor, who was also a cousin of Benjamin, shared a poignant detail that brought a small measure of solace to the grieving family. He revealed that on the morning of his death, Benjamin Netherland had attended church, where he had prayed at the altar and rededicated his heart to the Lord.
