A gang member was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a shooting that led to a fellow gang member’s death last year.
Prosecutors say 27-year-old Jeffery Rice of Athens and a fellow gang member, Alijah Nelson, opened fire on a rival gang member outside a gas station on Gaines School Road on October 21, 2022.
“Upon entering the parking lot, Rice and Nelson saw a rival gang member walking past their vehicle. Rice abruptly stopped his vehicle and both he and Nelson exited. Nelson immediately opened fire at the rival gang member, and Rice is believed to have fired at least once before his gun jammed,” says State Attorney General Chris Carr.
The rival gang member received multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen and back but was able to return fire in self-defense, killing Nelson in the process.
Athens-Clarke County police arrested Rice on October 28, 2022, for Nelson’s death. He was indicted by the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit in January 2023.
Rice was originally indicted on two counts of felony murder and weapons charges, among other offenses. On August 14, he pleaded guilty to four counts of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act and one count each of voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, first-degree criminal damage to property, and driving on a suspended license.
The judge also sentenced Rice to 12 years on strict probation once he’s released from prison.
“This conviction is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the growing gang networks that continue to incite violence in our communities,” said Carr.
He says his office is working closely with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) to combat the problem of gang violence. Their efforts have resulted in 15 indictments over the past year, including Rice and seven alleged members of the Red Tape Gang.
The cases stem from a range of incidents, including fatal shootings, assault, and robbery.
“I am proud of our investigators and thankful to our state partners for their work on this case,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “The Athens-Clarke County Police Department remains committed to combatting violent street gangs and will continue dedicating its resources to removing violent criminals from the streets of the Athens community.”
