Meth-Fueled Murder, Armed Robbery Spree Ends in Life Sentence

Credit: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

A Smyrna man has been given a life sentence after he pleaded guilty to a meth-fueled crime spree in late 2013 and early 2014 which cost one woman her life, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

Sergio Vera Lule, 27, a native of Mexico, admitted in court Tuesday that he was responsible for seven armed robberies or attempted armed robberies at businesses across Cobb County. On Dec. 31, he followed BP clerk Manju Poonmagar from the gas station at 475 Windy Hill Road to her apartment complex at 2401 Windy Hill Road. Once inside the complex’s parking lot, Lule attempted to rob Poonmagar then shot her in the head, killing her instantly.

Lule was not captured until Jan. 9, when he was pulled over for a traffic infraction. Arresting officers discovered more meth in Lule’s Jeep, the DA’s Office said.

“This defendant has acknowledged having a long-term addition to methamphetamine,” Deputy Chief ADA Jesse Evans said. “That led him to terrorize innocent people on multiple occasions, in multiple locations, and it cost Mrs. Poonmagar her life. This is the toll that drugs have on individuals, and on a community.”

Poonmagar’s husband confirmed he was satisfied with Lule’s plea deal but did not address the court. The DA’s Office said that Lule will be deported if he is ever released on parole.