Authorities are trying to find a man who was a no-show Friday as he was convicted of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend in 2014 and sentenced to life plus five years.
Maurice Nesbitt attended the previous four days of his trial, Fulton County District Attorney’s office spokesman Dexter Bond told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
But on the final day of the trial, as the jury found Nesbitt guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, he was nowhere to be found.
It’s not the first time he has eluded authorities.
Nesbitt was not arrested in connection with Rashawn Jackson’s death until July 24, 2014 — nearly two months after Jackson’s body was found at the Venetian Hills Apartments in the 1800 block of Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta.
A judge let him out on bond, according to Channel 2 Action News.
While on bond, Nesbitt did not appear for a September 2016 plea and arraignment hearing, the district attorney’s office said. The U.S. fugitive task force apprehended Nesbitt later that month.
He was released from the Fulton jail in December, online records show. It is not clear why.
At a news conference Friday, District Attorney Paul Howard urged anyone with knowledge of Nesbitt’s whereabouts to call 404-613-3230.
A warrant is active for Nesbitt’s arrest.
Know what's really going on with crime and public safety in your metro Atlanta community, including breaking news, trial coverage, trends and the latest on unsolved cases. Sign up for the AJC's crime and safety newsletter delivered weekly to your inbox.
About the Author
