Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Conviction of Snellville Man in Brutal Attack Case
In a recent development in DeKalb County, Georgia, District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the conviction of Jaheim Sims, a 22-year-old man from Snellville, in a jury trial. Sims was found guilty on multiple charges, including Felony Murder, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During a Felony, in connection with the tragic beating of Mario Vasquez Lopez, a 56-year-old man, on September 10, 2020.
Details of the Assault
The incident took place on Tilly Mill Road in DeKalb County, where officers from the Doraville Police Department responded to a call about an assault just before midnight. Upon arrival, they discovered Vasquez Lopez severely beaten and unresponsive. He was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center for urgent medical attention.
A witness recounted seeing two men, later identified as Sims and his co-defendant, viciously attacking Vasquez Lopez by repeatedly punching and kicking him. Despite the victim losing consciousness, the assault continued, with the attackers even dragging him across the street to continue the brutal beating.
Investigation and Arrest
Shortly after the incident, police officers located two men matching the description provided by the witness, and they were positively identified as the suspects. During questioning, the co-defendant admitted to being involved in the attack, revealing that Sims initiated the assault by kicking Vasquez Lopez in the head.
Further investigation revealed that the attack was random and unprovoked, as Vasquez Lopez had no prior connection to the defendants. Despite having personal belongings on him, including cash and a cell phone, there was no apparent motive for the brutal assault.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following the guilty verdict, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey Hydrick sentenced Sims to Life without the possibility of parole, along with an additional five years. The co-defendant received a 30-year sentence, with 20 years to be served in confinement and the remaining on probation.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lauren Caldwell, with support from Senior Assistant District Attorney Sam d’Entremont, District Attorney Investigator Leslie Moses, and Victim Advocates Sandra Trejos-Roman and Gaby Ziegenbein. The initial investigation was led by Detective Rogers from the Doraville Police Department.
With justice served, the community can find closure in knowing that those responsible for the senseless attack have been held accountable for their actions.
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