WEBSTER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Four men have been convicted of murder and other charges stemming from a 2021 nightclub incident in Preston that claimed the life of Malik Crimes, according to the Southwestern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

Following a nine-day trial, a Webster County jury on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, found Taris Hollomon Sr., Geryl Johnson, James Reels, and Demetrius Williams guilty on multiple counts.

The charges included the following:

• murder
• aggravated battery
• aggravated assault
• violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
• possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Sentences handed down

Judge W. James Sizemore sentenced Hollomon, Johnson, and Williams to life in prison plus five additional years. Reels, who did not face firearm possession charges, was sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecution and agency cooperation

Assistant District Attorney Trevor Vanzant prosecuted the case with the assistance of District Attorney Lewis Lamb and the Gang Prosecution Unit of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s Office.

Local and state law enforcement agencies, including the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and Region 3 of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), played critical roles in investigating the case.

District Attorney Lamb expressed gratitude to the investigators, victim advocate LeeAnn Austin, legal secretary Catherine Williams, the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit, and the citizens of Webster County for their dedication and hard work throughout the trial preparation.

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