1 Dead, 7 Murder Charges After Villa Rica Hotel Shootout: Police

VILLA RICA, GA — One man is dead and seven have been charged with murder after a drug deal went bad at the Fairbridge Inn Express Tuesday night, police say. Five men have been arrested while two remain at large.

Brian Cook, 28, from Villa Rica, was shot and killed at approximately 7 p.m. at the hotel, located at 128 Hwy 61 in Villa Rica. Cook was being chased out of a hotel room full of drugs, measuring equipment and counterfeit $20 dollar bills.

Police say an investigation found that Cook, 28 years old, from had accompanied Ramon Higgs, 29, from Villa Rica, to room 205 at the hotel. Higgs entered the room while Cook remained outside. An altercation occurred
in the room and Higgs is seen on video running out of the room with several men chasing him. As Cook began to run away he was grabbed by the men and shot while on the second floor landing where he died from the injuries. Higgs was also shot but was able to flee the scene.

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The suspects in room 205 were identified as; Khaaliq Sims, 24, Isiah Roberts, 20, Alvon Darby, 20, and
Kyron Doby, 23. All were from Villa Rica.

The men were located during the investigation and later charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of murder. Roberts had an addition charge of convicted felon in possession of a firearm. They have been transported to the Carroll County Jail.

Briahious McPherson, 19, and Ricardo Joiner, 19, both from Villa Rica were also in room 205 but have not been apprehended at this time.

Warrants have been issued for both suspects charging them with murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Anyone having information on the location of either suspect is asked to contact Villa Rica Police or call 911.

Higgs was treated at Grady Hospital for a gunshot wound and released. He was charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of marijuana.

During the investigation the occupants of room 206 were also contacted. It was determined that a 16-year-old juvenile, from Baton Rouge LA was in possession of marijuana and scales. He was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and drug related objects. Another man in the room was identified as Jaylon Stanton, 24, from Baton Rouge, LA. He was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and forgery first degree after he was found in possession of a large amount of marijuana and counterfeit $20 dollar bills.

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