The Macon Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that Raymond Leverett has been convicted of malice murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and felony murder for the aggravated assault for the 2018 killing of John Flemming, known to loved ones as “J3.” 
“Justice has been served for John Flemming and his family,” said District Attorney Anita R. Howard. “This verdict holds Raymond Leverett accountable for a profound betrayal of trust that ended in tragedy. Mr. Flemming was a man who worked hard for his family and his future. Today, a jury has spoken on his behalf.”
Flemming was shot and killed on September 19, 2018, after seeking repayment for automotive work he had contracted with Leverett. Flemming’s remains were discovered years later on a stretch of highway in East Macon in 2023.
The State successfully proved that financial pressures led Leverett to commit this crime. The hard work of multiple law enforcement agencies including the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI resulted in the collection of the vital evidence proving Leverett guilty including:
- Phone records placing Leverett and Flemming together on the day of the murder
- Forensic evidence linking a firearm borrowed by Leverett to the victim’s death
- The recovery of Flemming’s vehicle, which had been hidden in a warehouse owed by Leverett’s former employer
- Evidence that personal items belonging to Flemming were pawned by Leverett shortly after Fleming was murdered
- Witness testimony regarding Leverett’s financial situation and sudden access to cash on the day of the murder in the same amount the victim had been known to possess
D.A. Howard stated, “I am extremely proud of the work of the entire team of prosecutors, investigators, advocates and administrative assistants who together secured justice for John Flemming and his family.”
The multi-member team was led by case Chief Assistant District Attorney Tony May, Assistant Deputy Chief Jeremy Johnson and Case Agent Major Jason Bachelor.”
The State asked for life without the possibility of parole plus life consecutive, however, the Court sentenced Leverette to life with the possibility of parole plus 20 years consecutive.
