CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A convicted murder learned just how long he’ll spend in prison for the killing of his friend.
Antonio Arnold was sentenced to life without parole plus five years after a Clayton County jury convicted him of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm charges.
Georgia Superior Court Judge Aaron Mason handed down the sentence for the killing of Arnold’s friend of 20 years, Ricky Calhoun, at a Riverdale home.
The verdict concluded a trial that ran from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Arnold shot and killed Calhoun on Oct. 14, 2023, and then attempted to burn Calhoun’s body to destroy evidence.
A fire marshal investigator testified that Calhoun’s body was intentionally set on fire, with investigators identifying two distinct points of origin in the bathroom and kitchen.
Law enforcement also presented Flock camera video that tracked Arnold’s vehicle traveling through Clayton County and Henry County on the day of the killing.
In an initial recorded interview with law enforcement, Arnold claimed he had been in Conyers all day and was unaware of what happened to Calhoun.
When investigators confronted him with the camera footage during a second interview, Arnold stated that he was drunk, had blanked out and was the only person in the apartment when the incident occurred.
He later provided a written statement saying he could not hold it in anymore and needed to face his mistake.
Assistant District Attorney Sheila Francois led the prosecution team alongside Assistant District Attorney Deputy Chief Brianna Jordan. Major Case Investigator Anthony Scay and Victim Advocate Kennedy Smith also assisted in the case.
Following the trial, Clayton County District Attorney Tasha M. Mosley commented on the outcome and the effort of the prosecution team.
“While no conviction can undo the pain and suffering this crime has caused, we hope it brings the family of Mr. Calhoun closure,” Mosley said. “I am proud of my team for their tireless work in ensuring the defendant has been held fully accountable for his actions.”
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