Last year, a Barnesville, Georgia man killed his girlfriend during a Fourth of July barbecue and was sentenced to life in prison.
In Henry County Superior Court, Raphael Kelley, 22, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of malice murder and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.
Kelley agreed to a negotiated plea agreement in which he would spend life in prison plus five years, according to Henry County District Attorney Darius Pattillo.
During a barbecue at a home on Lobolly Ridge in Locust Grove on July 4, 2021, Kelley and Laci Moss got into an argument.
Pattillo said Kelley left the party following the argument.
In front of Moss’ mother and friends, he returned to the house later and shot her six times, the DA said.
“I am grateful we were able to bring justice to the family of Ms. Moss without having to put them through the stress of having to testify,” Pattillo said.
Judge Pandora E. Palmer had hard words for Kelley while he was sentenced on Monday.
“I hope you see her face every day that you live out the rest of your life and think about what you’ve done,” she said. “If you had just walked away, we would not be here.”