16-year-old, former HS basketball player arrested in connection with murder

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police have charged two teens in connection with a murder at a Duluth apartment complex.

Investigators told Channel 2 Action News Akeem Turner, 21, was killed on Oct.14 when he met Alexander Powell, 17, in the apartment parking lot off Plantation Trace Drive.

Witnesses say Powell, a 7-foot-tall former Duluth High School student and basketball player, took the keys to Turner's car and then ran away before the 16-year-old shooting suspect walked up, tried to rob Turner of cash and marijuana and then killed him.

The 16-year-old is facing a murder charge. Powell is not.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Texting and driving? Cops could have a new tool on their side: a Textalyzer
• 3 teens killed in crash after high school football game
• Husband indicted in murder of wife has yet to serve day in jail

The victim's mother, Tonii Turner, said while she's glad the two suspects are behind bars, she believes Powell is getting off too easy.

"I am not happy with these charges. He confessed. He snitched so he could get a plea deal," Turner told Channel 2's Tony Thomas.

Neighbors heard parts of the confrontation and ducked as bullets flew. Two bullets struck a car parked nearby.

"All he had was $20 on him and when it was all said and done he was left with $20 on him and two liters of blood in his lungs," Turner said. "I'm just taking it minute by minute. Some days it's not real."

The 16-year-old is being housed at a juvenile detention center, at least until he turns 17 next month.

Powell is in the Gwinnett County jail.

Duluth police say they expect more arrests.

"It was such a senseless murder, and if they knew him well enough, they would know he didn't have anything," Turner said.

Cox Media Group