Murder Charges Dismissed in Carroll County Case Defended by Watson Law LLC

College Athlete Cleared of Murder After Defense Uncovers Truth Behind Group Shooting Incident

Carroll County, GA – July 31, 2018 – In a case that underscores both the power of a strong legal defense and the importance of context in the justice system, Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., of Watson Law LLC, successfully defended a college student-athlete who was wrongfully charged with murder. Thanks to a thorough and compelling defense, all charges — including murder, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence — were ultimately dismissed.

Table of Contents

Case Background

In May 2018, a dean’s list college athlete returned home during a school break to visit friends. While spending time with the group, an altercation broke out between two other individuals, escalating to gunfire. Tragically, one person was killed and another seriously injured.

Despite having no involvement in the conflict, Watson Law’s client was arrested along with everyone else present and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence.

Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe swiftly began building a defense grounded in truth and evidence. Her approach included:

  • ✅ Conducting an extensive case review
  • ✅ Presenting critical defense arguments at the probable cause hearing
  • ✅ Highlighting the client’s lack of involvement in the crime
  • ✅ Demonstrating inconsistencies in the State’s accusations
  • ✅ Negotiating dismissal of all charges

Results and Dismissal

  • 🟨 Murder and aggravated assault charges were dismissed at the probable cause hearing
  • 🟨 The remaining tampering with evidence charge was later dropped
  • 🟨 The court found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution

The decision was officially entered into the record on July 31, 2018, in the Superior Court of Carroll County.

Lasting Impact on the Client

Despite being found innocent, the ordeal had a profound effect on the client’s life:

  • ❌ The client lost a full academic scholarship
  • ❌ Was initially expelled from college
  • ✅ The expulsion was reversed after the case was dismissed
  • ❌ However, the scholarship was not reinstated, and the client was unable to return to school due to financial hardship
  • ❌ The client also suffered trauma as a witness to a senseless act of violence

Attorney Statement

“This case shows how easily an innocent person can get caught in the justice system. My client was not involved in the crime but was still arrested and charged. We fought hard to clear their name, and while justice was served in court, the emotional and personal cost was still profound.”

Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., Managing Attorney, Watson Law LLC

About Watson Law LLC

Watson Law LLC is a results-driven law firm with a strong focus on criminal defense and small business legal counsel. Led by Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., the firm is committed to protecting the rights of individuals across Georgia. Known for their tenacity, empathy, and legal precision, Watson Law LLC has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes in complex cases.

Contact Information

Watson Law LLC

📍 800 Kennesaw Avenue, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060

📞 (404) 600-1771

📧 zak@zwatsonlaw.com

🌐 CriminalAttorneyinGeorgia.com

For legal representation or media inquiries, contact Watson Law LLC today.

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Watson Law LLC Gets Murder and Aggravated Assault Charges Dropped in Carroll County

Watson Law LLC Gets Murder and Aggravated Assault Charges Dropped in Carroll County

Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe Secures Major Victory as State Dismisses Violent Felony Charges

Carroll County, GA – July 31, 2018 – In a case involving some of the most serious criminal charges under Georgia law, Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., of Watson Law LLC, achieved a major courtroom victory when the State of Georgia dismissed multiple felony charges against her client — including Murder and Aggravated Assault.

In this article…

Case Overview

The defendant was arrested in connection with a violent incident and charged with:

  • Murder
  • Two counts of Aggravated Assault
  • Tampering With Evidence

The case was prosecuted by the Coweta Judicial Circuit and presented before a judge in the Superior Court of Carroll County.

Charges Dismissed

On July 31, 2018, the Assistant District Attorney formally filed for dismissal of all charges except the tampering count, stating the prosecution:

“…cannot prove the murder or aggravated assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The judge accepted the motion and dismissed the charges in open court. This ruling effectively removed the most serious legal threats against the defendant — including a possible life sentence.

Next Steps

The State reserved the right to further review the remaining tampering charge as more information becomes available. However, as of this ruling, the client remains free of all violent felony charges.

Attorney Statement

“This case shows how critical it is to have someone who will fight for you before trial begins. We challenged the case early, exposed the weaknesses in the State’s evidence, and cleared our client of the most serious allegations.”
– Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq.

About Watson Law LLC

Watson Law LLC is a Georgia-based law firm specializing in criminal defense and small business law. Founded and led by Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., the firm is known for its strategic litigation, aggressive pretrial defense, and compassionate client service.

Contact Information

Watson Law LLC

📍 800 Kennesaw Avenue, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060

📞 (404) 600-1771

📧 zak@zwatsonlaw.com

🌐 CriminalAttorneyinGeorgia.com

For media inquiries or case consultations, contact Watson Law LLC today.

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