CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Prosecutors say a teen killed a popular Morehouse graduate because he needed money to get to his girlfriend who was out of town.
A jury convicted Chinua Plez, 22, on murder charges in connection with the death of 61-year-old Gary Bussey in October 2011.
Bussey, from Augusta, was in town for Morehouse homecoming festivities. The former football captain at the school was a stable at homecoming celebrations at his alma mater.
"Every homecoming Gary Bussey was there," Eric Turner, Bussey's best friend told Channel 2s Tom Jones.
Turner took a picture of his former college teammate after the homecoming game because he said the next year wasn't promised.
"But who ever thought one of the most beloved brothers would be killed that night," Turner said.
Turner said Bussey was staying with his girlfriend in Clayton County and was supposed to meet him later that night to continue celebrating.
But Clayton County police said that night, Plez, the son of Bussey's girlfriend, stabbed him 34 times as he got in the shower at her home. Prosecutors said robbery was the motive.
Bussey's car and money from his ATM card were stolen.
"The defendant didn't have a job. Didn't have money. Didn't have a car. So he needed those things to go visit a girl down in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida," Senior Assistant District Attorney Jeff Gore said.
That's where authorities arrested Plez.
A judge sentenced him to life without parole, just as Morehouse grads were gathering to celebrate another homecoming.
Meanwhile, Turner is still seeking justice.
"I know the young man killed him but he wasn't by himself," he said.
Turner sat through the trial and thinks Plez had help murdering Bussey. Gore said Plez tried to get a friend to help him dispose of the body but the friend refused.
Gore also said Plez's mother could face charges because of her conflicting statements about her son's whereabouts after the murder.
"We're actively investigating the case further," Gore said.
Turner said his former Morehouse raised a toast to Bussey at one of several homecoming parties. He said his friend loved and lived life to the fullest.
"He's gone but guess what? He'll never be forgotten," Turner said.
Bussey leaves behind a son.
WSBTV
