In the spring of 2014, a gathering at a Stone Mountain apartment complex on May 3rd took a tragic turn, ending the life of 29-year-old Michael Phillips. He was an innocent bystander at a party when a dispute involving a 17-year-old acquaintance, Alexis Malone, escalated. Malone, who was in an altercation, called upon fellow members of the Bloods gang for assistance.
In the ensuing violence, several rounds were fired, and Phillips was fatally struck.
The events that followed spiraled into a series of violent acts. Fearing that Malone would cooperate with the police and provide information about Phillips's murder, some of the individuals involved allegedly decided to silence her. On May 9, 2014, Malone was lured to a remote location where she was killed. This act of violence was then followed by what authorities believed to be a retaliatory home invasion on May 10th. During this invasion, three women were shot and a 9-month-old baby, KenDarious Edwards, Jr., was killed.
An investigation into the interconnected violence led to the identification of several suspects. Oslushla Smith, 19, Kemontay Cullins, 18, and Cutrez Johnson, 16, were identified as having been called to the party to assist Malone. Along with Kayla Dixon, 20, they were indicted on a multitude of charges, including malice murder, felony murder, and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act in connection with the death of Michael Phillips.
The legal process brought some measure of justice for the victims. Oslushla Smith was arrested after a SWAT standoff at an Atlanta hotel. He later pleaded guilty to his role in the murders of both Michael Phillips and Alexis Malone. Smith was convicted on charges including malice murder and felony murder and was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 40 years. Kemontay Cullins was also arrested and faced a judge for his alleged involvement. Cutrez Johnson was taken into custody as well and, in a separate trial, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 15 to serve.
