Suspect convicted in Augusta convenience store murder

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta man was convicted Friday in a fatal shooting at a convenience store, District Attorney Jared Williams announced.

Donald Gross was charged in connection with the shooting death of Samuel DeWayne Jackson, 48, of Augusta last year.

The shooting happened Sunday at the Circle K at 2574 Tobacco Road.

After a five-day trial, Gross was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole on a charge of malice murder, plus five years for possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

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The shooting happened after Gross went to a gas station on Tobacco Road to get signatures for a recall petition, according to Williams.

Jackson refused him, and an argument ensued.

Things escalated by getting a 12-gauge shotgun and executing Mr. Jackson, despite the victim appearing unarmed, Williams said. It was in broad daylight in a crowded gas station parking lot. The shot trajectory suggests that the victim turned away from the defendant.

Jackson died at a hospital after the shooting.

Self-defense cases are very difficult to prove, Williams said.

Gross began developing his self-defense claims before the killing occurred. He called 911 saying the victim was threatening to kill him, despite no threats being made, Williams said. The jury ultimately disregarded this false statement in favor of evidence proving that Gross was the primary aggressor.

Addressing the need to end gun violence, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Davis told the jury: You can vote and decide what kind of community you want to live in. What you allow in our community is what you ultimately promote.

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