2 sentenced for deaths in Sandy Springs drug deal gunfight

By Christopher Seward

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The final chapter in a Sandy Springs drug case that left two people dead in a shootout was closed Wednesday with life and 45-year sentences handed down.

Fulton County jurors convicted James Platt and Jarrett Dixon on multiple charges in the 2009 deaths of two men killed when a group of cocaine dealers and buyers opened fire on one another  after both sides realized each was trying to dupe the other, police said.

According to prosecutors,  arrangements were made for  a large amount of cocaine to be sold, but the sellers were actually selling fake cocaine and the buyers didn't intend to purchase the drug but instead rob the sellers.

During the gunfight, at least four weapons were used and 32 rounds were fired at the Sandy Springs apartment complex where the deal unraveled, prosecutors said.

Antonio Clark, a buyer, and Santos Palacios-Vasquez, a seller, were killed in the crossfire. Several others in the shootout were wounded.

Dixon, convicted of murder, voluntary manslaughter and weapons charges, was sentenced to life plus 35 years in prison. Platt, convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the deaths of both victims, was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Four others were convicted in March 2010 for their roles in the melee.

Delman Higuera-Hernandez and Rogelio Higuera-Guiterrez were convicted of murder and voluntary manslaughter and were sentenced to life in prison.

Jose Renteria-Diaz and Juan Maldonado-Cervantes, who were not directly involved in the killings, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine and related gun charges. Renteria-Diaz received 15 years to serve 9 years in prison with the balance on probation. Maldonado-Cervantes received five years to serve in prison. Once they completes their  sentence both men will be deported back to Mexico, prosecutors said.

Antonio Lara-Landero, accused of brokering the drug deal on behalf of the sellers, remains at large but is presumed dead after fleeing to Mexico, prosecutors said.