Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Trial begins for 3 men in death of Atlanta councilwoman’s nephew

From left to right: Detective David Quinn, Lenora Flanagan, Darius Bottoms’ mother Myeka Jennings and Capt. Paul Guerrucci spoke at a press conference in 2014.
From left to right: Detective David Quinn, Lenora Flanagan, Darius Bottoms’ mother Myeka Jennings and Capt. Paul Guerrucci spoke at a press conference in 2014.
By Becca J G Godwin
Aug 1, 2017

The trial for the suspects in the shooting death of 18-year-old Darius Bottoms has begun, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

Bottoms was the nephew of Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms. He died when he was ambushed in June 2014 as he drove his car on Legacy Drive in southwest Atlanta. Several shots were fired and a bullet struck Bottoms' head. A passenger escaped injury.

The investigation revealed the victim was mistaken as a rival gang member, according to a press release.

MORE: 4 sentenced in murder of Atlanta father mistaken for rival gang member

MORE: Man sentenced to life for murder at 4th of July barbecue in Atlanta

Rashad Barber, 18, Ryan Bowdery, 23, and David Dajunta Wallace, 22, were indicted on charges including murder, aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter is presiding over the trial, which continues Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Like Intown Atlanta News Now on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

More:

Detective David Quinn speaks about the June 13 shooting of Darius Bottoms at a press conference Wednesday. Bottoms’ grandmother, Lenora Flanagan, spoke at the press conference as well.

About the Author

Becca J G Godwin
More Stories

Keep Reading

The GBI is investigating after two Tifton police officers were shot Friday while trying to serve a warrant at a home, officials said. (Courtesy of Channel 2 Action News)

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Georgia leaders offer support after 2 Tifton police officers shot

The officers, identified by family as Michael Gaskins and Jerry Fulford, were still receiving medical treatment as of Sunday, officials said.

UPDATE

Man kills mother, stepfather at Powder Springs home, police say

Officers were called to the Powder Springs home for a domestic incident Saturday and found the two victims suffering from several gunshot wounds.

A tiny nation qualified for its first World Cup. Cape Verde has fans here

Cape Verde, competing in its first World Cup, will take on the world's No. 1 team in Spain at 12 p.m. on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Latest

The GBI is investigating after two Tifton police officers were shot Friday while trying to serve a warrant at a home, officials said. (Courtesy of Channel 2 Action News)

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Georgia leaders offer support after 2 Tifton police officers shot

UPDATE

Man kills mother, stepfather at Powder Springs home, police say

A tiny nation qualified for its first World Cup. Cape Verde has fans here

Featured

Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP

A tiny nation qualified for its first World Cup. Cape Verde has fans here

Cape Verde, competing in its first World Cup, will take on the world's No. 1 team in Spain at 12 p.m. on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Georgia’s special ed program promised help. Families say it delivered them harm.

Georgia subdues a nemesis in rolling past Crimson Tide for SEC championship

Georgia notched its best win of the season at the perfect time, finally vanquishing Alabama in Atlanta and taking home the SEC Championship for the second straight year.