JONESBORO — The Clayton County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday the conviction of a suspect in a 2019 fatal shooting during an attempted robbery at an Ellenwood gas station.
According to the DA’s office, a Clayton County jury returned a guilty verdict Sept. 14 for Daijon Dion Lamar Tyes, 22, of Forest Park, on malice murder, two counts of felony murder, criminal attempt to commit robbery, and aggravated assault.
At trial, DA’s office said the state presented evidence showing that at about 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2019, Tyes shot and killed the victim Christopher Barnes, 28, in broad daylight during an attempted armed robbery at the Chevron gas station, 2684 Rex Road, Ellenwood.
On Nov. 6, the Tyes and three of his friends traveled together in a car from Fulton County to Clayton County with the purpose of going “striking” (committing crimes).
Video evidence showed the defendant and his friends arrived at the Chevron gas station a little after 3 p.m.
While in line for the register, the defendant observed a large amount of cash in the wallet of Barnes, who was in line behind him.
The defendant then returned to the car where his friends were waiting and they began to drive off.
Tyes instructed his friends to return to the parking lot and stop their car by Barnes, who was standing behind his vehicle at a gas pump.
The defendant then exited the passenger’s side of their vehicle, with a gun in hand and demanded Barnes’ money.
When Barnes resisted, the defendant fired his handgun six times, striking Barnes five times.
After the shooting, the defendant’s friends drove away and he fled on foot but was soon caught nearby with the murder weapon still in his possession.
During an interview with the police, Tyes repeatedly denied involvement and gave false versions of what occurred. He ultimately admitted to shooting and killing Barnes…
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