(Lawrenceville, Ga., 8/22/25) – A Lawrenceville man was found guilty of shooting and killing a Marietta teen after taking money the teen paid him for marijuana.

Malachi Matthew Perkins, 23, was convicted of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the December 2020 shooting death of 16-year-old Davone Burnett. Perkins was sentenced to life in prison plus five years without the possibility of parole.

“This murder cut a young life short, and it was unconscionable,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “The defendant fired a gun recklessly into a car full of people and killed Burnett for $8. Nothing can bring back the young man who was killed, but we hope this outcome brings the victim’s family and loved ones healing and justice.”

On Dec. 12, 2020, Burnett went with a friend to the Hillcrest Greens Apartments in Lawrenceville. There they met Perkins and gave him $8 for a “dime bag” of marijuana. Perkins left the friends and never returned. After waiting 40 minutes, they determined that Burnett was not coming back and called his sister’s boyfriend Osaze Paige to give them a ride.

Paige knew Perkins and saw him upon arriving at the apartment complex. Perkins shot at Paige when Paige confronted him, then ran. Eventually, Burnett and his friend got into the car with Paige to leave. As they drove away, Perkins fired at the car, hitting Burnett who was in the back seat.

During trial, Perkins claimed self-defense.

Managing Assistant District Attorney Marlene Oldeen and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Volkodav prosecuted the case with assistance from Investigators Shayla LaCosta and Germaine Johnson and Victim Witness Advocate Korinne Haskins. The Gwinnett County Police Department and Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office provided invaluable help in prosecuting this case.