PRESS RELEASE FOR GRADY COUNTY 2018 DECEMBER TERM

On December 3^rd, the Grady County December Trial Term was commenced.  Chief Superior Court Judge J. Kevin Chason presided over the trial of the State v. Nicholas Lopez.  Lopez was indicted for Murder, Poss. of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Aggravated Assault.  Following a two-day trial, the Jury found Lopez Guilty.  Lopez shot and killed Ronald Moon on May 26th, 2017.  The investigation was headed up by the Grady County Sheriff’s Office, with Chief Investigator Chris Luckey taking the lead. Senior Assistant David Atwell tried the case for the State at trial.  Following the verdict of guilty, Chief Judge Chason sentenced the defendant to Life without the Possibility of Parole.

“Mr. Lopez had been a thorn in law enforcement’s side for quite some time.  I thank the Jury for their hard work and diligence, and the Sheriff’s Office for a thorough investigation.  Senior ADA Atwell did a commendable job trying the case.  I pray for Mr. Moon’s family and hope this gives them some closure” stated District Attorney Joe Mulholland.

The Trial concluded a long month for the South Georgia Office of the District Attorney in three counties (Decatur, Grady, and Calhoun) where trials were being held.  Over the course of the month, the District Attorney’s Office was able to secure four (4) life without parole convictions along with a 30 plus year conviction in a child molestation case in four separate trials. Mulholland added “Myself and 3 senior assistants tried four cases and were able to secure four convictions.  We welcome the opportunity to prep for the coming year and we will be ready to start anew in January.  Merry Christmas to everyone in the Circuit and stay safe over the course of the holidays.”