Clarkston Man Convicted of Murdering Friend in DeKalb County

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction in a murder case following a jury trial against a Clarkston man accused of fatally shooting his friend.

Phun Kam, 36, was found guilty on Thursday of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.

The incident occurred on May 9, 2021, when DeKalb County Police Department officers responded to reports of a person shot at a Clarkston apartment complex on Northern Avenue. They discovered Hrin Thawng, 29, outside Kam’s apartment with a gunshot wound to the head. Kam had called 911, and officers arrested him at the scene. Thawng was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Investigations revealed Kam fired seven shots, six through the closed apartment door and one from close range at Thawng’s head. Thawng had been shot three times, according to autopsy reports.

Kam told police that Thawng, who had previously stabbed him, knocked on his door, prompting Kam to shoot him.

Following the guilty verdicts, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney L. Johnson sentenced Kam to Life imprisonment.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Patrick and Joseph Lenoff, with support from District Attorney Investigator Edwin Perkins and Victim Advocate Jenaiya Coleman. DeKalb County Police Department Officer Wright led the initial investigation.