Bartender murder suspect: I don't understand

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A teenager suspected of killing a Grant Park bartender said he needs more time to understand his charges.

On Monday, an attorney for Jonathan Redding -- a suspected member of Atlanta gang 30 Deep -- told a Fulton County Superior Court judge that the teen is struggling to comprehend the crimes he is charged with.

Redding is charged with 24 different counts, including murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and participation in criminal street gang activity.

"My client is barely 17 years old," attorney Elizabeth Markowitz said. "I'm trying to get my client to understand what he's facing."

Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams told Redding he could have another month to think about the charges before the court takes any action.

Prosecutors say Redding is one of several teenagers who stormed the Standard Food & Spirits on Jan. 7 and killed bartender John Henderson, 27. Redding is charged with robbing Henderson, along with another robbery at the Standard on Dec. 21.

Redding is also charged with shooting another man during a Jan. 9 home invasion in southwest Atlanta.

"The [home invasion] is the one that my client is most likely not to get out of. This case has DNA," Markowitz told the judge. "The others are circumstantial."

Prosecutors said Redding, who has not identified his accomplices, is just trying to stall the case.

In addition to ordering Redding to research his case, the judge chastised the teen when he responded to her questions using slang.  Dressed in a blue jumpsuit with a "30″ tattoo on his face, Redding looked down as the judge ordered him to talk appropriately.

Redding is scheduled to return to court Oct. 21.