In the fall of 2014, a botched robbery in Valdosta, Georgia, ended the life of 40-year-old Timothy Linder. On the evening of October 27th, Linder was at his home on Marion Street when he was fatally shot multiple times. The incident was described by the Valdosta Police Chief as a 'robbery gone bad.'
Three individuals were ultimately implicated in the crime that led to Linder's death. The alleged shooter was 16-year-old Ricky Barron III. He was accompanied by Andreah Mitchell and Angel Clark. The trio had reportedly gone to Linder's residence with the intention of robbing him of marijuana. Mitchell was accused of driving Barron to the location, and the firearm used in the shooting belonged to Clark, who had allegedly given it to Barron to sell.
Following an investigation, all three were arrested and faced charges. Barron was indicted for felony murder, armed robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Mitchell faced the same charges, while Clark was indicted for armed robbery and tampering with evidence. In exchange for their testimony against Barron, both Mitchell and Clark pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of armed robbery.
During Ricky Barron III's trial in September 2016, his defense attorney argued that the gun could not be definitively linked to Barron at the moment of the shooting. Witnesses, including his co-conspirators, gave testimony. Ultimately, the jury acquitted Barron of the felony murder charge. However, he was found guilty of armed robbery and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In October 2016, the then 18-year-old Barron was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the armed robbery conviction, with an additional five years of probation for the firearms charge.
