Man Convicted For Shooting Longtime Friend 9 Times, Killing Her: Prosecutor

COBB COUNTY, GA — A Smyrna man shot his longtime friend nine times after an argument. For that, he'll spend the rest of his life in prison.

Carl Crawford, 32, and Juanita McFadden, 27, were close friends of 10 years, according to the Cobb County District Attorney's Office. McFadden frequently visited Crawford's apartment in Smyrna, and even lived there on and off over the course of a few years.

On Nov. 18, 2020, the two friends were arguing when Crawford attempted to physically force McFadden out of the apartment. She resisted and they started fighting, the DA's office said.

That's when Crawford pulled out a 9mm handgun from his pocket and shot her at least nine times in the arms, legs and torso, causing her death.

Crawford was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus five years on Monday.

"This was a tragic and completely avoidable loss of life. There were no winners in this case. Both Ms. McFadden's and Mr. Crawford's families will have to carry this burden for the rest of their lives," Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul Camarillo said.