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Gang member pleads guilty to fatal shooting of infant

The child’s family says they wanted to see the death penalty.
By Christian Boone
Nov 30, 2015

A gang member charged with fatally shooting a 9-month-old avoided the death penalty Monday but will spend the rest of his life in jail after pleading guilty to the infant’s murder.

Devin Thomas, 20, apologized to KenDarious Edwards’ family before being escorted to prison. He will serve life plus 20 years. He’s eligible for parole in 50 years.

Prosecutors said KenDarious’ death was retaliation for the brutal assault of Thomas’ friend and fellow Bloods gangster Alexis Malone, 17. The baby’s uncle, Oslushla Smith, also a Blood, was convicted of killing Malone and another man.

Malone had been a witness to the May 3, 2013 shooting death of Michael Phillips, 29, during a party to watch a Floyd Mayweather championship fight.She was found dead a week later.

Return for updates.

About the Author

A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.

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