ATLANTA — Two people accused of burning down a Wendy's have accepted plea deals.
That location was where an Atlanta Police officer shot and killed Rayshard Brooks back in 2020. Court records show Chisom Kingston and Natalie White were both sentenced to 5 years probation.
They also have to pay a $500 fine and complete 150 hours of community service.
It's unclear how the deals will impact their trial, which is set for next week.
Kingston's attorney, Khalil Eaddy said Kingston is remorseful and grateful to move forward.
“While some have done their best to portray Chisom Kingston as an unhinged boogeyman to help them advance some their own agendas, that’s disgusting, it’s irresponsible and it's just not who he is,” said Eaddy in a prepared statement. “This is a good young man committed to his family and his community. Since that night three years ago, he’s not only graduated from Georgia State University with plans to begin graduate school, he has kept the faith with our courts and with justice itself.”
In addition to Kingston and White, John Wade was also indicted for allegedly setting the fire back in January of this year.
More on the incident
Brooks' death sparked some of the most searing protests around Atlanta.
Crowds gathered at the Wendy's on University Avenue in Atlanta on June 12, 2020, after Brooks was shot by now-ex Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe as he ran from him after grabbing his Taser and discharging it back toward the officer. Brooks was then allegedly kicked and stepped on as he lay dying in Wendy's parking lot.
After the fire at Wendy's, the gutted property became both a location for intense protests and peace. In the days following the fire, armed people moved into the area and set up blockades making it difficult to get in and out of the neighborhood. Those barricades were later dismantled by police, and since, the location has become a spot for unity in the community.
