Clayton County Jury Sentences Man to Life Without Parole for Road Rage Murder

Clayton County District Attorney Tasha M. Mosley has announced the conviction and sentencing of Victor Laray Isom, Jr., who was found guilty by a jury of Felony Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a First Offender Probationer, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. He has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus an additional five years in confinement.

The conviction stems from an incident on August 24, 2023. According to testimony, Isom exited a gas station at a high rate of speed, nearly colliding with Jovan Jerome Cook’s Mercedes. After Cook honked his horn and the two men exchanged brief words, Isom reacted by firing two shots at Cook before fleeing the scene. 37-year-old Cook sustained a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to his injuries on August 29, 2023.

The trial began on May 20, 2025, with Assistant District Attorney Anyssa Williams leading the State’s case, supported by Assistant District Attorney Anthony McKee, Investigator Chad Watkins, and Victim Advocate Candice Brown. After 75 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict on May 22, 2025. Senior Judge Robert Mumford presided over the trial and handed down the sentence.

District Attorney Mosley stated, “We hope this conviction offers some measure of solace to the family of Mr. Cook. This conviction also reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions.”