Lawrenceville Man Sentenced to Life for Shooting Teen Over $8 Drug Sale
Gwinnett County, GA – A Lawrenceville man has been sentenced to life in prison plus five years for the December 2020 shooting death of 16-year-old Davone Burnett.
Malachi Matthew Perkins, 23, was convicted of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting.
“This murder cut a young life short, and it was unconscionable,” said District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “The defendant fired a gun recklessly into a car full of people and killed Burnett for $8. Nothing can bring back the young man who was killed, but we hope this outcome brings the victim’s family and loved ones healing and justice.”
On December 12, 2020, Burnett went with a friend to the Hillcrest Greens Apartments in Lawrenceville, where they met Perkins and paid him $8 for a small amount of marijuana. Perkins left and never returned. After waiting 40 minutes, Burnett and his friend called Burnett’s sister’s boyfriend, Osaze Paige, for a ride.
When Paige arrived, he encountered Perkins, who fired at Paige before fleeing. Burnett and his friend got into Paige’s car to leave, and Perkins shot at the vehicle, striking Burnett in the back seat.
During the trial, Perkins claimed self-defense. Prosecutors Managing Assistant District Attorney Marlene Oldeen and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Volkodav, with support from investigators and victim advocates, presented the case with assistance from the Gwinnett County Police Department and the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.
