In Jonesboro, Georgia, a 37-year-old Black man named Shannon Alexander Watkins tragically lost his life on March 30, 2023. His death stemmed from a brazen act that began inside a Shell gas station on Flint River Road. Watkins had entered the store to buy a drink, with a firearm holstered on his hip. As he waited in line, a male individual approached him from behind, snatched the gun from its holster, and fled the establishment.
Watkins immediately gave chase, pursuing the thief into the parking lot in an attempt to reclaim his weapon. A struggle ensued between the two men. During the altercation, a second individual exited a nearby white Chrysler 300 and opened fire on Watkins. The initial thief also fired multiple shots at him. Suffering from several gunshot wounds, Watkins was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The Clayton County Police Department launched an extensive investigation into the homicide. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of 18-year-old Chris Ervin Jr. as one of the shooters. He was located and taken into custody by the county's Elite Fugitive squad. Shortly thereafter, the second suspect, 18-year-old Kenderrion J. Muse, turned himself in to the authorities.
Both teenagers faced a litany of charges for their involvement in the deadly incident. Ervin's charges included felony murder, aggravated assault with intent to kill, robbery by snatching, cruelty to children, criminal damage, reckless conduct, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. Muse was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault with intent to kill, robbery by sudden snatching, and possession of a weapon during a crime. Following his arrest, Muse was held at the Clayton County Jail.
