3 convicted in Cobb beating, pedestrian death

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned a split verdict has been reached for four men on trial in a beating that led to the death of a pedestrian in Cobb County.

On Wednesday afternoon, jurors convicted Jekari Strozier, Antonio Pass and Johnathan Anthony of voluntary manslaughter and felony murder for the death of Joshua Chellew of Mableton. The fourth defendant, Kemonta Bonds, was acquitted.

The men got into a fight with Chellew in 2013 and chased him into a street, where he was hit by a car.

Channel 2's Ross Cavitt said chaos erupted inside the courtroom as jurors reached verdicts in the emotional murder trial. There were shouts in the courtroom as the men were taken to holding cells.

Several deputies had to step in to bring order back to the court.

Prosecutors contend the men were gang members who beat up Chellew after he taunted them about their gang affiliation.

Store video captured the initial four-against-one fight, before Chellew ran into the darkness on Mableton Parkway. He was then beaten unconscious and later run over by a car, according to authorities.

The three men found guilty could face life sentences. They will be sentenced at a later date.

WSBTV