Prosecutors in Georgia alleged that Danyale Harris, who was incensed upon viewing a video of a 22-year-old man sexually abusing her 12-year-old daughter, took a group of people to confront the suspect at his apartment in order to get retribution.
One of the individuals Harris led to the apartment was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout. Harris, 42, might now have to serve out the remainder of her life in prison.
District Attorney Sherry Boston released a statement on Friday announcing that Harris had been found guilty by a jury in DeKalb County of felony murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.
The sequence of events started on March 31, 2020, when Harris discovered a video purporting to depict her daughter having sex with the man, who was eventually identified as Antonio Harley, according to the authorities.
The following day, Harris reported the footage to the DeKalb County Police Department. The officers assured her that they would look into the situation and get in contact with her again.
“He warned her not to let her anger get the best of her and not to try to get revenge,” as per the press release.
Harris is charged with “trying to take the law into her hands” instead. After a few hours, Harris took a group of individuals to an apartment building close to Wesley Chapel Road and Snapfinger Road in order to confront Harley.
Authorities stated that Harris asked her daughter to point out Harley’s residence at approximately 1:00 p.m. on April 1, 2020. Harris and her allies were waiting behind her when she knocked on the apartment door brandishing firearms.
Harley approached the apartment’s side to check who was there instead of opening the door. At that point, Harris and the others started chasing Harley, who had fled through the rear door of the apartment.
Prosecutors claim that after Harley shut the door, a member of Harris’ group opened fire, striking Harley in the chest.
Authorities claim that Harley’s brother fired back in defense of their five younger siblings who were also present in the apartment. Juan Newkirk, a 19-year-old member of Harris’ posse, was struck by gunfire. Newkirk passed away.
Harley, who is now 26 years old and survived the gunfight, is accused of child molestation, statutory rape, and child exploitation. His legal matter is not yet resolved.
Prosecutors say that two more persons were charged during the gunfight and are currently awaiting trial. Harris was given a life sentence with five years of possible parole by a judge.
