Two Men Sentenced to Life in Mall Parking Lot Shootout Death in DeKalb County

Two men have been sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in a shootout that resulted in the death of a man in a parking lot. Jermel Campbell, 30, and Trayvon Williams, 29, were found guilty of several charges including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony.

The incident took place on September 29, 2019, at The Mall at Stonecrest. Kevin Mcleod-Downer, 26, was fatally shot during the altercation. Surveillance footage showed a verbal dispute escalating into gunfire between Mcleod-Downer’s group and the defendants’ group. Campbell fired 15 shots at the victims while Williams exchanged gunfire with one of Mcleod-Downer’s friends.

Campbell fired the fatal shot that killed Mcleod-Downer as he shielded his girlfriend. Another member of the defendants’ group, Taron Williams, shot at the victims as they fled the scene. Taron Williams was not present for the trial but was later taken into custody.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Josh Geller and Senior Assistant District Attorney Hannah Pendergast, with assistance from law enforcement officials. Detective Tappan of the DeKalb County Police Department led the initial investigation.