DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A Riverdale man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted over the shooting death of a man at a birthday party in Decatur last year.
A jury found 21-year-old Brian Fort guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection to the death of 20-year-old Joshua Quaintance, according to a release from DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
An investigation revealed that DeKalb County Police responded to reports of gunfire at a short-term rental property on Hillside Avenue in unincorporated Decatur on March 12, 2023.
The property owner had arrived after being alerted by a neighbor about the gunshots. While no one was found inside, police discovered evidence of a party, including alcohol bottles, dollar bills, and a birthday cake with the letters “Bin” on it.
Officers later learned from hospital staff that Quaintance had been brought to the emergency room by witnesses and pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m.
Quaintance’s sister told police that she, her brother, and friends attended the party, where they were told the gathering was moving to a club. As they left, Quaintance made a remark that a woman inside overheard, leading her to attack him outside. This escalated when several males with guns threatened Quaintance, as captured by surveillance footage.
Despite attempting to leave, Quaintance was followed by "Bin," identified as Fort, who shot him moments later. Investigators used social media to confirm Fort’s identity. In his statement, Fort admitted to the confrontation and shooting, claiming self-defense, though Quaintance was unarmed.
Following the guilty verdicts, Fort was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus five years.
