A Riverdale man faces life in prison for a fatal shooting at a birthday party. According to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, 21-year-old Brian Garfield Fort was convicted Thursday of felony murder, aggravated assault, and weapons charges in the death of 20 year-old Joshua Quaintance.
The shooting occurred on March 12, 2023, at a short-term rental property in Decatur. DeKalb County police responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on Hillside Avenue around 1 a.m.
According to court testimony, Quaintance arrived at the party with his sister and friends as it was winding down. Witnesses say a confrontation began after Quaintance referred to partygoers as “green.”
The prosecution presented evidence that a woman at the party physically confronted Quaintance in the driveway. Several men, including Fort, then emerged from the house with firearms.
Surveillance footage captured parts of the altercation. Quaintance’s sister testified that her brother attempted to leave, but Fort followed him down the street. Multiple gunshots were heard, and Quaintance was found lying in the street.
Fort, in a statement to police, claimed self-defense, saying Quaintance had pulled a gun. However, investigators found no weapon on the victim.
Social media posts helped police identify Fort as the shooter. He admitted to hosting the birthday party and bringing out a gun during the confrontation.
The jury rejected Fort’s self-defense claim, finding him guilty on all charges. Judge Brian K. Ross immediately sentenced Fort to life without the possibility of parole, plus an additional five years.
The case was prosecuted by the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Homicide and Gangs Unit. Senior Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Atakora led the prosecution team.
This incident raises several questions about gun violence, party safety, and conflict resolution among young adults.
