TROUP COUNTY, Ga. — A Troup County jury has found a Lanett, Alabama man guilty in the 2023 shooting death of a 22-year-old man outside a LaGrange gas station.
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After a four-day trial, jurors convicted 25-year-old Dorian Jaquaylen Malik Darden, also known as “PsyCo,” of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and two violations of Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Senior Superior Court Judge Fletcher Sams sentenced Darden to life in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by an additional 40 years behind bars.
Prosecutors said the August 23, 2023, shooting happened outside a gas station on New Franklin Road in LaGrange.
Surveillance video introduced at trial showed an altercation outside the store moments before gunfire erupted.
Authorities said Darden fired multiple shots, killing 22-year-old Laderek Tayshun Ferguson. Darden was also wounded during the exchange.
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According to the Troup County District Attorney’s Office, investigators later uncovered evidence linking Darden to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal street gang. Prosecutors argued the killing was committed to further the gang’s criminal activities and enhance Darden’s standing within the organization.
While recovering from his injuries in the hospital, prosecutors said Darden posted a screenshot of rap lyrics on social media that referenced carrying out a shooting in public despite surveillance cameras being present.
In a statement following the verdict, the District Attorney’s Office called the killing a “senseless gang-motivated murder” and said it would continue pursuing substantial prison sentences in gang-related cases to combat violent crime in the community.
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