Former Officer Sentenced to Six Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
A former law enforcement officer, Godreque Newsom, pleaded guilty to felony homicide by vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death after a car wreck that killed 27-year-old Abari Meade. The incident occurred on the Downtown Connector, and Newsom initially pleaded not guilty, leading to several delays in the case. This week, he changed his plea under the Georgia First Offender Act and was sentenced to six years in prison. His attorney, Bruce Harvey, stated that Newsom expressed sincere remorse for his actions. The court records reveal that Newsom fled the scene after the crash. His plea agreement was reached after numerous hearings and procedural delays. Newsom's case highlights the serious consequences of impaired driving and the legal system's response to such offenses. The case was handled by the Clayton County Department of Corrections, which has been involved in the proceedings since the incident.