On Monday, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that an investigation led by the state’s new Gang Prosecution Unit has resulted in the conviction of three individuals who are members of the Marlo Gang, a hybrid criminal street gang in Columbus.
Rodderick Glanton, Homer Upshaw, and Terrance Upshaw were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Jesse Ransom and 18-year-old Saiveon Pugh and the assault of two other teens. As explained in a press release from Carr’s office, “In June 2021, they opened fire on a vehicle as it drove past a home located across the street from the Wilson Apartment complex. All four teens were inside the car and sustained gunshot wounds. Ransom and Pugh died as a result of their injuries. In all, investigators found over 60 shell casings on-scene and no evidence of gun fire from the victim vehicle.”
“These defendants opened fire on four teens for no legitimate reason,” said Carr. “They endangered the lives of every man, woman and child who reside in Wilson, including two toddlers who took cover in a bathtub as bullets struck the surrounding homes. This was an execution that could have resulted in even more tragedy, and the sentences should send a strong message to any other gang member who thinks they can operate without consequence.”
Rodderick Glanton, 28, of Columbus, was sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years for the following charges:
- 2 counts of Malice Murder
- 2 counts of Felony Murder
- 4 counts of Aggravated Assault
- 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- 3 counts of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
- 1 count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Homer Upshaw, 28, of Columbus, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 25 years for the following charges:
- 2 counts of Malice Murder
- 4 counts of Felony Murder
- 4 counts of Aggravated Assault
- 8 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- 3 counts of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
- 1 count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- 1 count of Trafficking in Marijuana
Terrance Upshaw, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years for the following charges:
- 2 counts of Malice Murder
- 2 counts of Felony Murder
- 4 counts of Aggravated Assault
- 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- 3 counts of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
- 1 count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
