Crime & Safety

Murder Defendants Must Plead Guilty or Face Death Penalty

Douglas County District Attorney David McDade has given the defendants 90 days to decide.

David McDade, the Douglas County District Attorney appeared in court Wednesday to give four young murder defendants 90 days to decide whether to plead guilty or face the death penalty in the murder of 18-year-old Bobby Tillman.

Tracen Franklin, Emmanuel Boykins, Quantez Mallory and Horace Coleman are accused of beating Tillman to death in November after a party.

McDade said he will allow the four young men to avoid a death penalty trial by pleading guilty. Their decision must be made by June 8.

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“We made this decision after spending much time and consideration,” McDade said of his discussions with Monique Rivarde, Tillman’s mother.

“We want the young men to accept responsibility for their actions.”

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