October 24, 2019

Shooting Followed Dispute over ‘Reckless’ Driving

Decatur, Ga. – A man convicted of killing a motorcycle comrade has been sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 25 years. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams, who presided over the trial, levied the sentence against 52-year-old Bryan Lawson Jones on Thursday, following his conviction a week earlier on charges of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault (two counts), and weapons offenses for the shooting death of Dorian Drewery, (44), and the gunshot injury to an innocent bystander.

The incident happened on March 17, 2018 in the parking lot of a QuikTrip gas station in the 2700 block of Panola Road. According to the investigation, the Defendant and victim, both motorcycle riders who frequented the QT, were involved in an ongoing dispute about what the Defendant deemed as the victim’s “reckless” driving.  On the night of the shooting, Defendant Jones and victim Drewery were engaged in a verbal dispute that quickly escalated. Defendant Jones claimed the victim charged him and that he shot in self-defense.  Witnesses, however, say as the victim turned to leave, Defendant Jones shot him multiple times. He suffered gunshot wounds to his head, back, and hip. A second man, not involved in the dispute, was shot in the leg by the gunfire. Both victims were transported to the hospital, where Mr. Drewery later died as a result of his injuries.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicole D. Finnie, with assistance from Senior ADA Ashley O’ Neal, and DA Investigator Sweden Bailey. Detective D. H. Collins of the DeKalb County Police Department led the initial investigation.