Lilburn Man Convicted of Murdering Neighbor Over Rumors

A Lilburn man has been found guilty of murder for fatally shooting his neighbor after the victim confronted him about spreading false rumors.

Marquel Akeem Williams, 33, was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault in connection with the September 2020 death of 26-year-old Stanislas Alverna. Williams was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

According to Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson, Alverna was attempting to resolve a verbal dispute with Williams, who had been making unfounded allegations against Alverna and other neighbors at their residence. On September 9, 2020, a meeting was held where Alverna asked Williams about the rumors.

Williams, who was known to carry a gun, responded by drawing a handgun loaded with “R.I.P.” bullets and shooting Alverna five times. Alverna sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died. Williams fled the scene, discarding the weapon and altering his appearance before turning himself in days later.

Ballistic evidence presented at trial matched the recovered handgun to the crime scene. A jury deliberated for two hours before returning guilty verdicts.