In the chill of a February evening in Atlanta, a 44-year-old man named Samuel 'JR' Harris was out for a walk with his dog, Tequilla, a simple routine that would end in tragedy. As they made their way near the intersection of Mitchell Street SW and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, a group of individuals targeted him in a robbery. The encounter turned violent, and Harris was shot multiple times. The assailants not only took his life but also his beloved dog.
Police responded to the scene around 8:49 p.m. to find Harris, who was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the senseless killing led to the arrests of two men. Brandon Baker, 36, was taken into custody in April. Six months later, in October, authorities apprehended a second suspect, 41-year-old Ricky Pierce. Both men are facing a string of serious charges, including murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Pierce is also facing an additional gun charge.
Initially, a third man was arrested in connection with the case in April. However, the charges against him were later dismissed, and he was released from jail in June. While two of the men allegedly responsible for Samuel Harris's death are now in custody, the legal process is ongoing as they await trial for their accused roles in the fatal shooting and robbery that cut a man's life short during a quiet evening stroll with his dog.
