Twists and Arrests in Fatal Shooting From Drug Deal Gone Bad

The surviving victim from the April 14 shooting, and what police called a ‘drug deal gone bad,’ at the Residences of Morgan Falls Apartments has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office records show Willy Jeanlouis has been in custody since April 16. He has been charged with felony murder for his role in setting up a deal to exchange marijuana which precipitated the shootings, Sandy Springs Police said, in a statement.

Two other suspects, Gene Stephens and James Taft have also been arrested for the murder of Jeanlouis’ cousin Patrick Placide. The two were taken into custody on April 18th and April 20th, respectively. Stephens was the gunman, police said.

Another man, 24-year-old Victor Scott is being sought on felony murder charges.

Sandy Springs Police said , in the parking lot, that Saturday night, when they were shot. Placide was dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head. Jeanlouis, who was shot once in the head but escaped, was treated and later released from North Fulton Hospital. He was then taken to SSPD Criminal Investigation Unit where he spoke to detectives, said Sandy Springs Police Capt. Steve Rose in a statement. 

The night of the shooting, Stephens had been out of jail on bond, according to Sheriff’s department records. He was arrested on March 24, 2012 on two counts of vehicular homicide. He was released on bond the following day. Records also show he was released from jail in January 2011 after serving more than a year on several charges including driving without a license and identity fraud.