Gollott sentenced for 2021 murder at Motel 6

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A man has been convicted of malice murder; sentenced to life with parole. 23-year-old John Bay Gollott was convicted on June 15 of one count of felony murder, one count of malice murder, and one count of aggravated assault.

Gollott was sentenced to life with parole. The sentencing came after a three-day trial, handed down by Chief Superior Court Judge Edward Lukemire.

This came as a result of an investigation led by the Warner Robins Police Department into a shooting that occurred on July 4, 2021.

To summarize, Gollott fatally shot 24-year-old Kristopher Ryan Mast while both stayed at a Motel 6 on Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins. According to witness testimony, Gollott didn’t personally know Mast, however, shot him shortly after an altercation occurred between Mast and his girlfriend in the room next door.

After following Mast to a secluded area, Gollott fatally shot him three times with a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol; Mast’s body was found 30 minutes after the shooting by a passerby. Gollott was apprehended the next day after fleeing the crime scene on foot with the firearm used in his possession.

Gollott initially claimed Mast had tried to rob him but later changed his story, saying Mast walked up like he wanted to fight. He claimed self-defense at the trial but evidence showed Gollott as the aggressor.; consequently, he was found guilty on all charges.

“Violence perpetrated by young men and women is [a] tragedy plaguing our modern society. Not only is the life of the victim and his family ruined, but also a young man who made a heinous decision to take another’s life… Thank you Detective Delgiorno, Detective Richards, and all of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement for answering the call and doing your part in seeking justice,” said District Attorney William Kendall.

Warner Robins Police Department Detectives Tyler Delgiornio and John Richards were the primary investigators for this case. Golott was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alicia Gassett and Assistant District Attorney Justin Duane.

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