Norcross Man Sentenced to Life Plus Five Years for ‘Assassination-Style’ Killing Behind County Gas Station

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – A 22-year-old Norcross man has been sentenced to life in prison plus five years after a Gwinnett County jury convicted him of shooting a man six times, including twice in the face as the victim lay on the ground.

Elberto Garcia-Bailon, 22, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in the killing of Gerardo Reyes-Fentanes, 38, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors described the July 2024 killing as an “assassination-style” shooting.

Garcia-Bailon was sentenced to life in prison plus five years following his conviction.

“We hope this outcome helps Mr. Reyes-Fentanes’ family heal and find solace after his tragic loss,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said.

Surveillance Video Captured Fatal Shooting

According to prosecutors, Garcia-Bailon and Reyes-Fentanes were together at a Shell gas station on Jimmy Carter Boulevard on the evening of July 12, 2024.

Surveillance footage presented during the trial showed the two men leaving the gas station and walking up a hill toward a wooded area behind the business.

Police were later called to the wooded area following a report of gunshots and found Reyes-Fentanes dead.

Jurors were shown video that prosecutors said captured Garcia-Bailon shooting Reyes-Fentanes.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Garcia-Bailon shot Reyes-Fentanes six times. Two of the shots struck Reyes-Fentanes in the face while Garcia-Bailon was standing over him as he lay on the ground.

Prosecutors said Garcia-Bailon later confessed to a family member that he had killed someone.

The release identifies the shooting death as occurring July 17, 2024, while also stating that the two men were at the gas station and the shooting sequence occurred on the evening of July 12.

Jury Deliberated About 2½ Hours

After hearing the evidence, jurors deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before finding Garcia-Bailon guilty on all four charges.

Managing Assistant District Attorney Gerald Henderson and Assistant District Attorney Brad McMahon prosecuted the case, with assistance from Investigator Brad Wiley and Victim Witness Advocate Armando Perez.

The District Attorney’s Office also credited the Gwinnett County Police Department with its work investigating and closing the case.