Teen Accused Of Murder Indicted In Cobb County

ATLANTA, GA — A Cobb County teen accused of being a gang member and being involved in a June 2021 killing was indicted on Oct. 6 on multiple charges, Attorney General Chris Carr said Wednesday.

Donald Bannister is accused of murder, aggravated assault and other drug and weapons offenses, according to the AG's office. Bannister is also accused of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. He was indicted by Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit.

11Alive reported Bannister was 17-years-old when he was accused of killing 34-year-old Norval Bailey.

Bannister was not arrested until more than a year later in August in East Point, 11Alive reported. A person identified as an accomplice was arrested in 2021, the outlet reported.

The case was worked by the Marietta Police Department and Cobb County Police Department, according to the AG's office.

The U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the arrest of Bannister, 11Alive reported.

“This indictment sends a strong message to those considering committing crime in Cobb County: criminals will be held accountable," Marietta Police Chief Marty Ferrell said in a news release.

"From our attorney general, U.S. Marshals Service, county sheriff and police, as well as municipal law enforcement officers, we work together to keep our communities safe and hold criminals accountable for their actions. I am proud of our officers and detectives for their tireless work in this case."

It is unknown if Bannister or Bailey lived in Marietta.

In addition to the first indictment, Bannister was indicted in relation to a fight at the Cobb County Jail in 2020, according to the AG's office. He is being charged on suspicion of violating two counts of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, one count of aggravated assault and one count of simple battery, according to the AG's office.