Man guilty on all charges in murder of Gwinnett County man

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A jury has returned a guilty verdict for a man accused in a Gwinnett County murder.

Channel 2's Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Tony Thomas has been covering the trial, in which the defendant has been loud at times.

The jury has listened to a week's worth of testimony and been out of the courtroom as defendant Melvin Roberts has exploded in anger several times.

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Roberts wiped tears from his eyes as prosecutors wrapped up their closing arguments Tuesday morning. About 5 hours later, he was found guilty on all charges.

Authorities said Roberts killed Jabari Pettway in November 2016, leaving his body along a south Gwinnett dirt road.

Roberts has lashed out at his attorneys and the judge at times, insisting evidence is being faked and there is a conspiracy against him.

He did not take the stand, though, when he had a chance to testify and let his attorney speak to the jurors.

“There is no anger, bitterness. There is not a cross word between my client and Jabari,” Defense attorney Lawrence Lewis said. “Melvin Roberts got no reason to shoot Jabari.”

Police said after Roberts killed Pettway, he took his car to southwest Atlanta and burned it.

When the verdict was read in the courtroom, Roberts was seen rocking back and forth in his chair.

Roberts was sentenced to life without parole. He still insisted that the evidence was fabricated against him.

Cox Media Group