Gang Members Murdered Mayor-Elect's Nephew: Jury

ATLANTA, GA — Three gang members have been convicted of murder in the shooting death of Atlanta Mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms' 18-year-old nephew.

Prosecutors say the men, who were convicted Thursday by a Fulton County Superior Court jury, mistook Darius Bottoms for a rival gang member on June 13, 2014, when he was ambushed, shot and killed on Legacy Drive in the West End neighborhood.

Rashad Barber, 19, Ryan Bowdery, 23, and David Dajunta Wallace, 22, were convicted on charges including felony murder and participation in criminal street gang activity. Barber was sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years, Bowdery was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years and Wallace was sentenced to life in prison plus five years.

It was the second time the three men had been tried in Bottoms' murder. A judge declared a mistrial earlier this year, after a juror reportedly spoke with an Atlanta Police detective about evidence during the trial.

"We are pleased that they have finally been prosecuted. This is a monumental loss for us. Darius will always be remembered," an unnamed Bottoms family member said in a news release provided by the Fulton County District Attorney's office.

Top image via Shutterstock. Mugshots courtesy Fulton County District Attorney's office.