A man wanted in the slaying of a 15-year-old Buford High School student outside a Gwinnett County gas station was arrested Tuesday in Wisconson.
Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of Savion Dillard, who was located in Green Bay by U.S. marshals. The 20-year-old Jonesboro man was identified by Gwinnett County detectives as the gunman in the July 1 shooting.
Branden Gerena was at a Gas Plus on Thompson Mill Road with a friend early that morning, according to police. The teens were standing outside the gas station when they were approached by a man, later identified as Dillard, who opened fire on them.
Gerena was shot in the head and later died at a local hospital. His friend, also 15, was not hit.
RELATED: Buford High School student killed in shooting outside Gwinnett gas station
Detectives believe the teens were selling marijuana, and Dillard and another man, 21-year-old Denzel Wilburn of Buford, went to the gas station with the intent of robbing them. Wilburn was the getaway driver, Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Wilbert Rundles said.
Credit: Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
“Dillard is believed to have shot the victim, while Wilburn drove the vehicle and received proceeds of the robbery and murder,” he said in a news release.
MORE: Police make arrest, ID alleged shooter in killing of Buford High student
Wilburn was arrested within two days of the deadly shooting and remains in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail. He is being held on charges of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor.
Dillard faces charges of felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He does not have any additional charges in Wisconsin and is expected to be extradited back to Georgia, police said.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
In other news:
About the Author
