DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a woman at a MARTA bus stop and raping three others.
The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office says Christopher Merritt, 18, pleaded guilty to murder, rape and armed robbery charges in order to avoid the death penalty.
Merritt shot and killed Marcaysia Dawkins on Nov. 23 as she waited for a MARTA bus in Lithonia.
Merritt approached her and attempted to steal her handbag. During the struggle, Merritt fatally shot Dawkins twice with a 9mm handgun, and ran with Dawkins' belongings.
The shooting was recorded by a gas station's surveillance camera.
“The life of a vibrant, young and hardworking 19-year-old woman was taken away in broad daylight for no reason at all,” said District Attorney Robert James.
Merritt was also indicted for rapes and armed robberies he committed in 2013.
The 2013 charges were included in Merritt's plea deal.