Two Men Convicted in Decatur Gas Station Murder

A DeKalb County jury has found 20-year-old Quavion Hale and 18-year-old Stantavis Reese guilty of murder and related charges in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Akhir Muhammad at a gas station in unincorporated Decatur. The verdict was announced on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Hale and Reese were convicted of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The charges stem from the incident that occurred on January 10, 2023.

According to the investigation, DeKalb County Police Department officers responded to a call of a person shot at a gas station in the 5000 block of Snapfinger Woods Drive around 6 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Akhir Muhammad deceased with multiple gunshot wounds to the back.

Investigators determined that Muhammad and a friend stopped at the gas station. As they entered the store, they passed Hale and Reese. Shortly after exiting, both defendants drew firearms and demanded the gun Muhammad was lawfully carrying. Before Muhammad could react, Hale and Reese shot him in the back and fled on foot. Reese returned to retrieve Muhammad’s gun and Hale’s backpack.

Surveillance video captured both defendants arriving at the gas station. Hale and his distinct backpack were seen entering and exiting the store, and Reese was clearly visible inside the store minutes before the murder. Further investigation of Hale’s social media revealed him wearing the same backpack and shoes seen in the surveillance footage.

Hale was arrested on March 23, 2023, and Reese was arrested on December 8, 2023, both without incident.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams presided over the trial. Sentencing for Hale and Reese is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 at 9 a.m.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Atakora, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Peterson, District Attorney Investigator Tia Johnson, and Victim Advocate Christy Palmer. DeKalb County Police Department Det. Knight led the initial investigation.