A 23-year-old Atlanta man died at the scene of an armed robbery in Buford, Georgia, while his alleged accomplice now faces felony murder charges in connection with the September 6 shooting that left three people wounded or dead.

Deadly Robbery Turns Fatal for Suspect

Gwinnett County Police identified Marvin Wiley as one of two suspects who attempted an armed robbery near 1400 Laurel Crossing Parkway in Buford. Wiley was pronounced dead at the scene after the robbery turned violent. Detectives determined Wiley and his alleged accomplice initiated the armed robbery that resulted in gunfire, leaving the robbery victim wounded and Wiley fatally shot during the confrontation.

The victim of the robbery, identified as Ortagus Bennett, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Medical personnel transported Bennett to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to police reports. Authorities have not disclosed whether Bennett was armed or what role he played in the shooting that left one suspect dead.

Second Suspect Faces Felony Murder

Police arrested E’imod Sanchez Toboris Taylor, who also suffered injuries during the robbery attempt. Taylor now faces multiple serious charges including felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies. Under Georgia law, a defendant can face felony murder charges when a death occurs during the commission of a felony, even if the defendant did not directly cause the death. This legal principle means Taylor faces murder charges for Wiley’s death despite the fact his alleged co-conspirator was the one killed.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Taylor while he received treatment for his injuries. He is currently in custody awaiting court proceedings on the multiple felony charges. The case highlights how Georgia’s felony murder statute holds all participants in a violent felony accountable for deaths that occur during the crime, regardless of who fired the fatal shot.

What This Means

The incident underscores the deadly consequences of armed robbery and the legal risks facing anyone who participates in violent felonies. Georgia’s felony murder law ensures that criminals bear full responsibility when their illegal actions result in death, even when a co-conspirator is the one killed. The law serves as a powerful deterrent by making clear that all participants in serious crimes face murder charges if anyone dies during the offense. Bennett’s survival and stable condition provides hope that he will recover from his wounds sustained during the violent encounter.