A Gainesville man convicted on felony murder and other charges in the shooting death of a rival gang member will not get a new trial.
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, Sept. 3 against a request from Delwoun Williams, who argued the trial court erred when it refused to allow the jury to consider a charge of voluntary manslaughter at his trial in May 2018.
Williams was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the June 26, 2017 murder of Cornelius Gordon on Barnes Drive in Gainesville. Williams was arrested the day after the crime.
Documents from the Supreme Court of Georgia said evidence at the trial in Hall County showed Williams, also known as Mad Max and Maximilian, was a member of the Bloods gang and his victim was a member of the Gangster Disciples. Williams apparently was selling marijuana and Gordon made a living as a marijuana distributor. A group of people was gathered at a mobile home on Barnes drive when shooting erupted. Williams contended he was shooting in order to protect himself and Gordon was not an intended target.
The decision to deny Williams' appeal was unanimous among the justices.
To read the full content of the Supreme Court of Georgia ruling on Tuesday, follow this link.
