2 pimps guilty in murder

By Ty Tagami

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Christopher Crawford lost his life over $5.

Now, a Fulton County jury has convicted a pair of men described by prosecutors as pimps and an accomplice in his murder.

Crawford, 29, was gunned down in 2007 in Atlanta's West End. Prosecutors say his death was ordered by the pimp of a prostitute from whom he stole the money.

A jury found Courtney Franklin, 29, guilty of murder Wednesday, according to the Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard's Office, which prosecuted the case.

Franklin warned Crawford after the robbery that he'd have "his boy" shoot him, then ordered a fellow pimp to show up with a gun, prosecutors said.

The other alleged pimp, Marquice Burks, 25, soon arrived with accomplice Johnny McClendon, 24.

McClendon shot Crawford five times, killing him, according to prosecutors.

All three defendants were sentenced to life in prison for the murder, with another 10 years in prison for related charges, including aggravated assault.