Murder indictment in Spelman student shooting

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By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The man believed to be responsible for the Sept. 3 shooting death of a Spelman College student has been formally charged with murder.

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The charges against 21-year-old Devonni Benton include murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and participation in criminal street gang activity. Benton (right) is shown standing with his attorney, Jackie Patterson (left) in a hearing last month.

John Spink, jspink@ajc.com The charges against 21-year-old Devonni Benton include murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and participation in criminal street gang activity. Benton (right) is shown standing with his attorney, Jackie Patterson (left) in a hearing last month.

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Friday Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announced the grand jury indictment Friday.

The charges against 21-year-old Devonni Benton include murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and participation in criminal street gang activity.

Jasmine Lynn was shot while walking home to her Spelman dormitory. The incident took place on the campus of Clark Atlanta University.

According to the preliminary investigation, a fight erupted between two groups of young men. Shots were fired, striking Lynn in the chest as she attempted to dodge the nearby gunfire. She died not long after at Grady Memorial Hospital.

It is not yet known when the trial against Benton will begin. He is being held in the Fulton County Jail without bond.