Two Convicted and Sentenced to Life in Athens Porch Killing Tied to Gang Conflict

ATHENS, Ga. — Two men have been convicted in the 2022 shooting death of a 19-year-old man in a case tied to an ongoing gang conflict, according to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.

Shamon Elder Jr., 24, and Jaquavious Smith, 25, were found guilty May 5 by an Athens-Clarke County jury in the killing of Brynarius Smith, who was shot on April 16, 2022, while sitting on his front porch at Nellie B. Homes.

Prosecutors said the case was handled by the state’s Gang Prosecution Unit following a roughly four-week trial.

Elder was convicted of multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, four counts of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus an additional 85 years.

Smith was convicted of felony murder and violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole plus 20 years of probation.

Authorities said both defendants are members of the Red Tape Gang, an Athens-based group involved in a violent feud with another gang known as Everybody Eats. Investigators said the conflict dates back to 2021 and has been linked to multiple deaths in the community.

“This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies in holding violent offenders accountable,” said Jerry Saulters.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Officials said the convictions are part of a broader effort to address gang violence in Athens, where authorities report a significant decline in shootings since 2022.