2 Brothers Get 45 Years In Atlanta Gas Station Slaying: ICYMI

ATLANTA, GA -- Two brothers were sentenced recently to 45-year prison terms, with 18 of them to be served in prison, for the shooting death of a man at an Atlanta gas station. Charlie McDaniel, 17, and his 16-year-old brother, Isaac McDaniel, were convicted for gunning down 50-year-old Anthony Brooks.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. announced the sentences in late September. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The two brothers pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, participation in criminal street gang activity and murder, the Fulton DA's Office said.

Prosecutors said that the saga began one night in November 2016 when Brooks recognized the brothers at a Shell gas station on Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta. The siblings caught Brooks' attentkion because they were suspects in recent car thefts in the area.

Brooks approached one of the brothers, Charlie McDaniel and threatened to call the authorities -- but he was pushed. That's when, according to the prosecutors, Isaac McDaniel pulled out a gun and shot Brooks.

Like us on Facebook

As the victim tried to get away, another shot rang out, this time, courtesy of Charlie, the DA's office said in a news release. In all, Brooks was shot three times. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hopping in a stolen vehicle, the brothers fled the scene -- but, unbeknownst to them, the whole incident was recorded on the gas station’s video surveillance system. After being on the run for two days, the siblings' mother arranged for her sons to surrender at Hunter Hill First Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Brooks' mother spoke during the plea hearing. This is what she said, according to the DA's office:

“On a daily basis, I must live my life never having closure. There is nothing worse than an incomplete chapter in one’s life, which is what I have left as a result of losing Anthony to unnecessary gun violence. When all Anthony ever wanted to do was keep violence from his family, the neighborhood that he grew up in, loved, and strived to protect,” said McFarland.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua took it personally, not only blaming the teenagers, but the justice system. "The court system failed this community," LaGrua said. "There was a combination of 17 prior instances by these two children. Now two families are destroyed,” the judge said.

Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Seleta Griffin, and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Piechocinski helped prosecute the case, with assistance from Fulton County Investigator Michael Green.

The initial investigation was led by Det. Scott Berhalter of the Atlanta Police Department.

Image via Shutterstock