Bloods gang member sentenced for murder
COBB COUNTY - A dispute between members of the notorious Bloods gang has left a leader dead and his second-in-command going to prison for 25 years.
Cobb County officials say members of the Bloods subset the Rollin 20s met a a house on West Station Drive nears Bells Ferry Road on April 1, 2017.
When two members drove up, police say 23-year-old Woodstock resident and leader of the gang Justin Dallas met them outside and an altercation occured.
During the dispute, 19-year-old Nakeem Jakwan "Philly" Edwards, who police say was immediately below Dallas in the gang hierarchy, shot Dallas multiple times.
On Tuesday, Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, which involves him acknowledging that he participated in gang activity by possessing a firearm during a felony and committing malice murder.
Officials say that Edwards also acknowledged in his plea that his crimes were done to increase his status in the gang.
“The death of Mr. Dallas is tragic. His death would not have occurred but for this dispute among members of the same gang and the inherent violence involved in gang crimes,” said Assistant District Attorney Jaret Usher, who prosecuted this case with Assistant District Attorney Paul Camarillo.
A judge sentenced Edwards to 25 years in prison and 15 years on probation.