2 get life terms in separate Augusta murder cases

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams announced life sentences for two killers this week – one for a gang member who shot a young man and another for the murderer of a gender-nonconforming local resident.

On Monday, a case set for trial resulted in a last-minute guilty plea.

The defendant, Ronald Harris, murdered John Scott Devore also known in the community as Scottlynn Devore.

The murder took place on March 12, 2020, and the defendant disposed of the body in Jefferson County, a vehicle in McDuffie County, and the victim’s phone in Richmond County.

“I had the time to uncover additional evidence and prepare the best case,” Waystack said. “That preparation led to this murderer spending the rest of his life in prison.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to the indictment: malice murder, felony murder, burglary in the first degree and concealing the death of another.

He received a sentence of life plus 30 years concurrent.

The defendant’s wife, Margaret Elaine Harris, had previously pleaded guilty to burglary and concealing the death, receiving a sentence of 30 years, with the first 20 to be served in confinement.

Late Wednesday evening, a Richmond County jury returned a verdict against Jamarius Walker for the murder of Laney High School graduate Antonio Geter, 21.

Geter was shot in the 2500 block of San Sebastian Court in April 2020.

That year, a murder indictment was issued.

However, after a gang link was found, prosecutors to re-indict the case to add four criminal street gang terrorism charges.

Walker was found guilty of all 10 counts presented to the jury.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years.

“This verdict signifies that our community stands with the District Attorney’s Office in the fight against dangerous gangs,” Williams said.

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