Cooperative Eyewitnesses and Video Evidence Helped Convict Man of Murder During Robbery

With four cooperative eyewitnesses ready to testify, along with video evidence corroborating their accounts, Jaqwaray Hollingshed pled Guilty to the charges of Malice Murder, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon on the eve of trial. Hollingshed was 21-years old at the time of the incident, which occurred on the evening of November 22, 2020, at the River Bend Apartments in Macon. His trial was scheduled to begin today.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of eyewitnesses who helped us hold Mr. Hollingshed accountable for the murder of Ruben Romero Gonzales,” said Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard. “We are losing far too many young men to prison and to death due to gun violence that is out of control.”

Prosecutors were prepared to try the case today when Hollingshed pled Guilty and received a sentence of Life plus 5 years in prison. The incident was captured on video and showed the Defendant walk over to a truck where 49-year-old Gonzalez was listening to music. Hollingshed fired one shot killing Gonzales while robbing him.

Among Gonzales’ family members in attendance for the plea this afternoon, was his 11 year old daughter who watched as the Judge pronounced sentence upon the man who took the life of her father in an act of senseless violence. DA Howard was proud to be able to offer her and her family the opportunity to be part of our R.I.S.E. (Restoring Inspiration by Success in Education) Initiative, which is aimed at children who have been impacted by the trauma of adverse childhood experiences. This Initiative provides a plan of individualized counseling and mentoring to give these children the tools needed in their lives for moving forward, with hope, toward a bright and successful future. For more information about this Initiative, please contact our Team at (478)245-6926.