Clayton County Jury Convicts Woman of Running Over Teen Zaxby’s Employee

JONESBORO, Ga. — A Clayton County jury has convicted a woman of aggravated assault and battery for intentionally striking a juvenile Zaxby’s employee with her vehicle following an argument in 2021.

Clayton County District Attorney Tasha M. Mosley announced that 40-year-old Chelyria Martina Palmer was found guilty of one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of Battery.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on April 22, 2021, after officers responded to a reported hit-and-run at a local Zaxby’s restaurant.

When officers arrived, Palmer claimed she had gotten into a verbal altercation with three juvenile employees and alleged the teens came outside and attempted to assault her. She told investigators she tried to drive away before crashing into a wall at the restaurant.

However, surveillance video told a different story.

Prosecutors presented footage showing Palmer striking the victims with her vehicle after the argument. The video also captured Palmer and the juvenile employees arguing outside the restaurant while she remained inside her vehicle.

One of the juveniles suffered a severe leg injury after being hit and required immediate medical treatment.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Williams, with Assistant District Attorney Jake Beninato serving as co-counsel. Investigators Melissa Peacock and John Norrod, along with Victim Advocate Breanna Archer, also assisted in the prosecution.

The trial began June 22 and concluded with a guilty verdict on June 26.

Georgia Superior Court Judge Jewel Scott presided over the trial and is scheduled to sentence Palmer on July 6.

“I want to commend my team for their dedication and hard work in securing justice on behalf of the victims,” District Attorney Mosley said in a statement. “We hope this conviction sends a clear message that we will fight tirelessly for the citizens of Clayton County.”