DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — The trial of three men accused of killing two teenagers at a Sweet 16 party in Douglas County last year began with emotional testimony from the family of one of the victims.
Samuel Moon, 15, and 14-year-old Ajanaye Hill were shot and killed at the March 2023 gathering on Sitka Drive and Talkeetna Road. On Monday, the family of Moon spoke to 11Alive only about their ongoing struggle to find peace as they await justice.
Moon's mother, Beverly La Fleur, expressed the agony she’s felt over the past 19 months.
“It’s just a wave of emotions that I feel right now,” La Fleur said, reflecting on the loss of her son. “Even if justice is served, I still will not see my Samuel Moon again. I will not see my son, my love. He is no longer here with me.”
La Fleur and other family members, including Moon's sister, aunt, and uncle, attended the trial on Monday. They’ve waited for over a year to see the accused —Tahkel Beverly-Smart, Kingston Cottman, and Timothy Coleman — face the charges.
Five suspects were initially charged in connection with the shooting. Two of them have since pleaded guilty and are now expected to testify against Beverly-Smart, Cottman, and Coleman.
Moon’s aunt, Marissa Fonda, described the experience as overwhelming, but she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to seek justice.
“You see their families, you see our family — there’s crying, there’s bodycam video, there’s a lot to unpack,” Fonda said. “We have something that points to a direction to maybe make a change or do something.”
For Moon’s family, unanswered questions remain — such as what triggered the violence at the party and how their loved one became caught in the crossfire.
While the trial brings painful memories to the surface, they remain focused on honoring Samuel's memory.
"We have to be in a state of gratitude," Fonda added.
As the trial continues, the jury is expected to hear from multiple witnesses, including a young man who knew two of the defendants and was present at the party when the shooting occurred.
The trial will continue throughout the week as the prosecution presents evidence against the three defendants.