Gwinnett County police have charged a Lawrenceville man with murder and other offenses in connection with a slaying in early November.

Melvin Kent Roberts, 25, is in the Gwinnett jail without bond, police spokesman Cpl. Michele Pihera said Tuesday. He’s accused in the Nov. 2 death of Jabari Pettway of Duluth.

The body of Pettway, 23, was found at the end of Lenora Road in unincorporated Snellville, officials said. He died from “several” gunshot wounds, police said.

Roberts’ arrest came days after Pettway’s stolen Dodge Avenger was recovered in Atlanta on Friday with heavy fire damage, Pihera said.

Gwinnett police are investigating a slaying in the Snellville area. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
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Roberts also is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats/acts, harassing phone calls, theft by taking (motor vehicle), parole violation and probation violation, police said.

Pettway’s body was found lying face up by a worker who patrols pasture along the road, Pihera said shortly after the incident. His body was found on grass that leads to a private driveway to the pasture.

Police think the victim was killed at the location, Pihera said Tuesday.

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