GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A shooter was convicted on murder charges on Friday, Sept. 20, for using a semi-automatic style gun to kill a 64-year-old woman in retaliation against her 17-year-old grandson.
A Gwinnett County jury found Tyree Jaron Simmons, 27, guilty of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, first-degree criminal damage to property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the Feb.22, 2022, death of Christine Walker. Simmons will be sentenced at a later date but faces life in prison. According to the investigation, Simmons fired the weapon into a Snellville hotel room, striking Walker as she slept.
“Christine Walker was asleep when the defendant opened fire into her room,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “All she did was take responsibility for raising her grandson. She did not deserve to be murdered this way. The fact that he had a switch, which turned his semi-automatic handgun into an automatic weapon, makes this crime especially egregious. Our hearts pour out for Ms. Walker’s grandson and for her family and loved ones.”…