Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict in 2018 East Macon Homicide Case

MACON, Georgia – The Macon Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that Raymond Leverett has been convicted of malice murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and felony murder in connection with the 2018 killing of John Flemming, known to family and friends as “J3.”

“Justice has been served for John Flemming and his family,” said District Attorney Anita R. Howard. “This verdict holds Raymond Leverett accountable for a profound betrayal of trust that ended in tragedy. Mr. Flemming was a man who worked hard for his family and his future. Today, a jury has spoken on his behalf.”

Flemming was shot and killed on September 19, 2018, after attempting to collect payment for automotive work he had performed for Leverett. His remains were not discovered until 2023, when they were found along a stretch of highway in East Macon.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that financial pressures motivated Leverett to commit the crime. The State’s case was built through the combined efforts of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI.

Key evidence presented at trial included phone records placing Leverett and Flemming together on the day of the murder, forensic evidence linking a firearm borrowed by Leverett to Flemming’s death, and the recovery of Flemming’s vehicle, which had been concealed in a warehouse owned by Leverett’s former employer. Investigators also showed that Flemming’s personal items were pawned by Leverett shortly after the killing and presented witness testimony describing Leverett’s financial distress and his sudden access to cash in the same amount Flemming was known to have possessed.

“I am extremely proud of the work of the entire team of prosecutors, investigators, advocates and administrative assistants who together secured justice for John Flemming and his family,” District Attorney Howard said.

The prosecution team was led by Chief Assistant District Attorney Tony May, Assistant Deputy Chief Jeremy Johnson, and Case Agent Major Jason Bachelor.

The State sought a sentence of life without the possibility of parole plus a consecutive life sentence. The court ultimately sentenced Leverett to life with the possibility of parole plus 20 years consecutive.