ATLANTA — One of the suspects arrested and charged in connection to the deadly 2022 shooting near Atlantic Station that killed a 12 and 15-year-old boy has taken a plea deal, court records show.
A'Micael Aziz, 17, was booked into jail back in August on felony murder, murder and aggravated assault, among other charges. Despite being a minor, he was charged as an adult.
However, court records show Aziz accepted a plea deal on Friday for several criminal street gang charges and will serve five years in prison, in addition to five years on probation.
Details of Aziz's probation include that he must have no contact with any criminal street gangs, must testify against the other defendants in the case, and must conduct motivational speeches at schools after being released from prison, according to court documents.
The shooting happened on a busy Saturday night on the 17th Street Bridge around 8 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2022, after Atlanta Police said an argument broke out between two groups that knew each other, who had both previously been escorted off Atlantic Station property due to a violation of a curfew the area has for those under 18.
Police said the argument led to gunfire and there were multiple shooters involved.
In the shootout, 12-year-old Zyion Charles and 15-year-old Cameron Jackson were tragically killed.
Additional arrests in the case
Investigators previously announced six other arrests. Back in March, APD said two 15-year-old boys were taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The 15-year-olds were not identified but police said they were arrested in different parts of the city.
Derodney Russell was also arrested on March 5, 2023, by Clayton County Sheriff's Office deputies. He was the first adult to be taken into custody in connection to the case. Russell was booked into the Clayton County Jail and is accused of murder.
Additionally, APD previously said another 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested in the case; their names were not released.
A 16-year-old, from Clayton County, was also taken into custody in connection to the deadly shooting on Dec. 12, 2022, according to APD.
Atlanta Police said their investigation remains ongoing.
