A block party in Clarke Gardens, Athens, Georgia, ended in tragedy on the evening of May 8, 2021. Carlos Antonio Harper, 38, confronted 15‑year‑old Marquise Dontavius Malcom about something the youth had reportedly said or done involving Harper’s daughter. The confrontation escalated and Malcom fatally shot Harper.

Police took Malcom into custody the next day. He was initially charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm possession. A Clarke County grand jury returned an indictment in August with reduced counts including voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and firearm possession. Later that month Malcom pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Harper’s death.

Does anyone have information about the events at the block party or about Harper and his family that could shed light on what led to the fatal confrontation?