Report: Man gets 25 years for killing Rome grandfather over game of horseshoes
A friendly game of horseshoes turned into a deadly shooting last year.
The man who pulled the trigger four times, killing a 74-year-old grandfather, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, the Rome News-Tribune reported Wednesday.
Wallace Junior Chambers, 47, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of Johnny Lewis Price, the newspaper reported. Chambers turned himself in to authorities in June, days after the deadly incident, AJC.com previously reported.
RELATED: Suspect accused of killing 74-year-old in Rome turns self in
On May 27, the two were playing horseshoes at a home in the 500 block of Hardy Avenue, the News-Tribune reported. An argument broke out over the game, and both men agreed to a boxing match as a result.
As Price walked to his car, saying he was going to buy gloves for the match, Chambers shot him in the back four times, the newspaper reported. Chambers claimed he feared Price was going to get a gun.
After Chambers turned himself in, Rome police described the incident as a “silly argument that turned deadly and that’s a shame.”
MORE: Suspect sought in shooting death of 74-year-old
Wallace Chambers has turned himself in to the Floyd County Sheriff's Office for Murder charges. Thank you to Investigator Chip Atchley and the U.S. Marshall's Service for your assistance.
Posted by Floyd County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, June 4, 2019
After Judge Kay Ann Wetherington sentenced Chambers to prison, he apologized for shooting Price, saying he wished he could take back his actions, the News-Tribune reported.
He also said that he knew “saying sorry isn’t enough.”
AJC.com has reached out to the Floyd County Superior Clerk of Court for more information.
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About the Author
Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives.
