McDonough Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2021 Murder Over $600 Debt

McDonough, GA – A McDonough man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the 2021 killing of a man during a dispute over a $600 debt.

On Monday, October 27, 2025, Quintarus Jackson, 26, appeared before Henry County Superior Court Judge Pandora Palmer, where he entered a guilty plea to malice murder, aggravated assault, and other related charges. Judge Palmer sentenced Jackson to life in prison.

The case stems from a January 22, 2021, incident in which Jackson agreed to meet 31-year-old Michael Jamal Colquitt at the L.A. Fitness on Foster Drive to settle a $600 debt. The money was tied to a minor car accident that had occurred three days earlier. Colquitt agreed not to contact police if Jackson paid for the damage to his vehicle.

When the two met, Jackson pulled out a firearm and began shooting at Colquitt and his friend, who were both unarmed. The victims fled to the nearby QuikTrip at 1494 Jonesboro Road, but Jackson followed and opened fire again. Colquitt was struck three times and pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the Henry County Police Department used evidence from Colquitt’s phone and other sources to identify Jackson as the shooter. Within 13 hours of the murder, Henry County Police, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, arrested Jackson following a high-speed chase on I-75.

Colquitt, described by family and friends as a “gentle giant,” was a Henry County resident and a dedicated church drummer. He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, and grandparents.

The case was prosecuted by the Homicide and Gang Unit of the Henry County District Attorney’s Office.