Suspects in Columbus teen’s shooting death now face gang-related charges

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Four young men accused of shooting and killing a teenager moments after he got off a school bus in Columbus are now facing additional charges.

This comes nearly three weeks after the high school freshman was shot at the intersection of Watkins and Wilkins drives.

This shocking crime claimed the life of 15-year-old Earkavion Lee on Sept. 19. All four suspects were arrested for his murder days later. They are now each charged with over 30 criminal gang activity charges. If they are found guilty, they could be sentenced to life in prison.

Suspects Roannil Clanton, Demetrius Miles, Gregory Nelson, and Marquis Roberts are each charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, along with the additional criminal gang activity charges added Wednesday.

“But obviously, throughout their investigation, they were able to pick up what they believe was enough evidence to believe that this entire incident was gang-related,” said Defense attorney Shevon Thomas III.

The additional charges the suspects are facing are under the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

“Many years ago, Georgia passed an act that enhances punishment,” District attorney Don Kelly explained. “It creates a separate crime actually for crimes committed as part of participating in a street gang.”

With that enhanced punishment, the suspects are facing many more years in prison if found guilty.

“That charge alone can carry up to 20 years in prison, so it is a serious enhancement to the crime,” Kelly said.

Kelly addresses those involved in any gang activity:

“We want people to know that are involved in these types of things is they need to get out of the gangs that there is no good end to that life,” he expressed.

All four suspects will be back in court on October 15 to hear the findings on these additional charges.

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