Douglas Man Convicted Of Armed Robbery, Home Invasion

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — A Douglas County man wh0 robbed a former classmate and his friends at gunpoint has been found guilty.

Detravius Sufur Jackson was convicted by a Superior Court jury on Thursday on charges of home invasion, armed robbery and aggravated assault, as well as several gun-related charges. His sentencing, by Judge Cynthia C. Adams, was scheduled for June 8.

He faces a maximum of four life sentences, plus an additional 75 years.

On February 2, 2015, Douglas County law enforcement responded to the home of a former classmate of Jackson's. The victim and two friends told officers that a man in his early 20s entered the home and held the three men at gunpoint, demanding all the cash they had — which amounted to $220.

The invader also stole a PlayStation 3 and a cellphone before pistol-whipping two of the three victims and running away.

The homeowner was able to identify Jackson due to seeing part of his face which wasn't hidden by a mask he was wearing during the robbery. He also said he recognized Jackson's voice. All three victims said the homeowner had gone to school with Jackson and known him for years.

Following his arrest, Jackson denied ever having met the victim and said he had an alibi for the time of the crime. The alibi proved to be false, prosecutors say, at which point Jackson changed his story several times.

At trial, Jackson claimed the victim was lying, but was unable to give any motive for him doing so.

After a week-long trial, the jury deliberated for about three hours before returning the guilty verdicts in the case.

"This verdict ensures the defendant will finally be held accountable for violently assaulting and robbing the victims at gunpoint," said assistant district attorney Lara Myers., who prosecuted the case. "The message sent by the jury is one that makes clear this kind of criminal behavior is absolutely unacceptable and I am grateful for their swift decision in making sure the Defendant is punished appropriately."

District Attorney Brian Fortner called the crime "a heinous act of violence which has no place in our community."

Photo courtesy Douglas County District Attorney's office