Mother Convicted of Murder After Vigilante Act Claims Innocent Life

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction resulting from a jury trial in a case involving a mother accused of taking matters into her own hands, leading to the fatal shooting of a teenager.

On March 22, jurors found Danyale Harris, 42, guilty on charges including Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

The incident dates back to March 31, 2020, when Harris discovered a video allegedly showing her 12-year-old daughter engaged in a sexual act with a 22-year-old man, identified as Antonio Harley.

Shortly after reporting the incident to a DeKalb County Police Department officer, who advised against seeking revenge, Harris, along with a group of individuals armed with handguns, went to confront Harley at an apartment complex.

Despite Harley retreating into his apartment upon seeing the group, gunfire erupted, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Juan Newkirk, who was part of Harris’s group.

Following the guilty verdict, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson sentenced Harris to Life with the possibility of parole, plus five years.

Two others involved in the confrontation face charges, while Harley faces charges including Statutory Rape, Child Molestation, and Sexual Exploitation of Children, with his case pending.

The prosecution was led by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Scacco with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Eliazette Johnson, along with support from District Attorney Investigator Antoine Winston and Victim Advocate Christy Palmer. DeKalb County Police Department Det. Crowe headed the initial investigation.