Georgia – A Georgia parent and spouse, 24-year-old Damonte, was convicted of multiple charges, including maIice murder, two counts of feIony murder, aggravated assauIt – family violence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a feIony. The charges stemmed from the 2023 shooting death of his girIfriend, Shanyah, who was prgnant at the time with his child, and the death of their 4-month-old baby, MiIIiani, who was born, but died months later.
In Feb. 2023, a local resident called 911 after reportedly hearing gunshots and discovering the 20-year-old victim lying outside with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency responders transported her to hospital, where doctors performed an emergency cesarean section to deliver her baby. The woman died two days later, and her baby passed away several months later.
Georgia authorities recovered multiple shell casings from the scene. Surveillance footage captured a vehicle leaving the complex shortly after the shooting. The vehicle was later found to be stolen. The victim’s phone had connected via Bluetooth to the vehicle just minutes before the 911 call, and the defendant’s phone data placed him at the scene immediately after the shooting.
During police interviews, the defendant attempted to downplay his relationship with the victim, denying cohabitation and fatherhood. However, friends of the victim testified that she had expressed fear for her safety in the days leading up to her death.
Following the conviction, Judge YoIanda sentenced Haithcoats to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of paroIe, plus an additional five years. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Borman and EIizabeth, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator WiIIiams and Victim Advocate WinIey.