In the first of two preliminary court hearings concerning the recent shooting deaths at a local Kanku's convenience store, a judge Tuesday morning bound over first-degree murder charges against defendant Montez Davis to the Hamilton County grand jury.
Authorities allege that, on Jan. 9, Mr. Davis shot and killed bystander Jonathan Lawrence, who was pumping gas at Kanku's at 3440 Wilcox Blvd.
Authorities say Mr. Davis had meant to fire shots at Anthony Russell, who allegedly had thrown a bottle at Mr. Davis' vehicle, shattering the window.
In late February another man, Jamaal Byrd, was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of another man at the same Kanku's. Video surveillance caught the shooting on tape.
Mr. Byrd's preliminary court hearing is scheduled to take place March 24.
There was a neighborhood outcry after the second shooting at the convenience store, with people who live close by telling police that the store has been plagued by violence.
Police say the store's location between two separate gang territories has contributed to the violence.
Store owners met with neighborhood and city leaders and agreed to hire more security.