Trillian Haile, a 36-year-old resident of Stone Mountain, was found guilty on charges of Voluntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. This verdict stemmed from the events of September 8, 2020, which led to the death of 19-year-old Dontavious Young.
The incident that led to Young’s death unfolded on Cherry Wood Drive, where Stone Mountain Police officers responded to urgent 911 calls reporting a shooting. At the scene, they discovered Young lying on the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, an empty holster ominously nearby.
Despite prompt medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries, with the autopsy reporting thirteen gunshot wounds.
Trillian Haile was found standing near the scene, with two handguns placed before him, one identified as Young’s. He was also injured and claimed self-defense, stating that Young had attempted to rob him, prompting an exchange of gunfire. According to Haile, even as Young tried to flee and then surrendered, pleading for mercy, Haile continued shooting until Young was dead.
Senior Judge David Irwin is set to preside over Haile’s sentencing on April 1.
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
