Murder Suspects Convicted in 2012 Shootings Over Bad Drug Deal

From Sandy Springs Police Capt. Steve Rose

Two men pled guilty this week in connection to the April 14, 2012 murder of Patrick Placide, who was shot to death during a drug deal at the Residences of Morgan Falls Apartments in the 7000 block of Roswell Road.

Gene Stephens and James Taft entered pleas this past week, avoiding trial in a murder case that began with a call to purchase marijuana. Willy Jeanlouis and Victor Scott entered pleas last month and were set to testify against Stephens and Taft.

• Gene Stephens, the shooter in the homicide, pled guilty last month and received a 40-year sentence with a mandatory 30 to serve.

• Victor Scott, who planned the robbery and provided the gun to Stephens, received a 30-year sentence with 20 to serve.

• James Taft, who made the call to Jeanlouis to buy the marijuana, and who provided the apartment to hide in, and later, who attempted to destroy evidence, was sentenced to 15 years with 8 to serve.

• Willy Jeanlouis, whom Taft called to arrange the deal, and who was slightly injured when Stephens shot him and Placide, received 10 years to serve 5.

Twenty Five-year-old Placide and 28-year old Willy Jeanlouis were shot during a drug deal in the parking lot near 1600 Jefferson Drive located within the Residences at Morgan Falls Apartments. Placide died at the scene of a gunshot wound to the head. Jeanlouis survived.