Lithonia Man Sentenced To Prison In Fatal Gas Station Shooting

DECATUR, GA — A Lithonia man was sentenced Friday to 50 years in prison in the fatal shooting of a tow truck operator and the shooting of another man on May 17, 2022, at a gas station, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said.

She said Victor Richardson, 26, was convicted on charges of voluntary manslaughter, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting death of Christopher Harrold, 44.

He was also convicted on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for shooting a 38-year-old man.

Boston said the man who survived the shooting was a new employee and was being trained by Harrold. The two men stopped at a Columbia Drive gas station, where the man confronted Richardson about owing him money.

The conversation between Richardson and the man became intense, and Boston said the man took a handgun from Richardson before tossing it into the woods. He then returned to the tow truck.

Boston said Richardson got into his car, drove up the man, lowered his window and pointed an AR style rifle at the man. She said the man pulled out his own gun and fired shots toward Richardson.

Surveillance footage showed Richardson turn onto Columbia Drive outside the gas station, point the rifle at the man and fired multiple times, shooting and killing Harrold in the crossfire. Boston said Harrold never got out of the tow truck.

Richardson drove away from the scene, but his car was found parked at his mother's house with the weapon inside, Boston said. She added his DNA was on the trigger.

Richardson was convicted Wednesday, and DeKalb Superior Court Judge Shondeana Morris sentenced Richardson to serve 50 years in prison.