A 22-year-old Riverdale man was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday after a Fulton County jury convicted him of murder for a shooting a year ago during a drug buy.
According to testimony, 40-year-old Jason Walker, who became addicted to prescription drugs after a car accident, was to meet Hakim Lofton at a Washington Road gas station in East Point last Oct. 10 to buy some Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication.
Walker brought a friend with him to the meeting with Lofton, and while the friend was in the gas station, Walker and Lofton drove off in Walker’s car.
After they parked at a nearby apartment complex, the two began to struggle. Lofton got out and shot into the car, hitting Walker in the chest, authorities said.
The friend was within walking distance of the car and saw the shooting and called for help.
Walker was able to talk with investigators before he died several hours later, and Lofton was arrested a few days later.
Lofton was found guilty of murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Craig Schwall added five years to Lofton’s life sentence.
About the Author
