A 42-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison for her role in a fatal incident while allegedly seeking retaliation against her daughter’s suspected molester in 2020.
On March 22, a jury convicted Danyale Harris of felony murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Juan Newkirk, according to the Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney. A judge then sentenced Harris to life in jail with the prospect of release, plus five years.
The ordeal began on March 31, 2020, when Harris allegedly discovered a video of her 12-year-old daughter having sexual relations with 22-year-old Antonio Harley. On April 1, Harris instantly reported the incident to the DeKalb County Police Department. According to prosecutors, the officer who received the report advised Harris not to succumb to her rage and seek retribution, emphasizing the significance of letting law enforcement handle the situation.
Later that day, Harris allegedly led a group of three armed people to an apartment complex at Wesley Chapel Road and Snapfinger Road to confront Harley. According to the district attorney’s office, Harris approached Harley’s apartment door, accompanied by her daughter, and the gang trailed behind. When Harley did not answer the door, he went to the back of the building, where Harris and her associates intercepted him.
Following that, a chase ensued, during which Harley sought shelter inside his apartment. A gunshot rang out moments later, striking Harley in the chest just as he closed the door. In response to the danger, Harley’s brother fired rounds from inside the apartment to protect himself and his younger siblings, who were only a few feet away.
Gunshots tragically struck and killed Juan Newkirk, a Harris associate who was present throughout the altercation. The district attorney’s office announced the charging of two additional individuals related to the event. The charges against Antonio Harley include statutory rape, child molestation, and sexual exploitation of children.
