Hughes convicted for Aggravated Assault, set to serve 40 years

PERRY, Ga. — A Houston County jury convicted 19-year-old Preston Lamar Hughes, also known as Draco, on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. The jury heard arguments from both sides within the Houston County Superior Court, the trial stretching along two-and-a-half days.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Superior Court Judge Edward D. Lukemire sentenced Hughes to 40 years of imprisonment, 26 of which must be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Upon his release, Hughes will be banished from Houston County and surrounding counties.

In a release published by his office, District Attorney William Kendall spoke on gun violence in Houston County, and thanked those involved in the trial.

“The great people of this community deserve to live without fear of gun violence. They deserve to live, work and thrive without fear of ignorant, heinous acts such as this,” Kendall said.

“I’d personally like to thank ADA Ryan English, Sr. ADA Sandra Matson, Detective John Richards and the entire Warner Robins Police Department for the hard work on this case. This Office will continue to be a beacon of hope for victims in a time of need and a living deterrent to those who do harm to others. We will continue our effort and do what is right, just as our brothers and sisters continue to do. Thank you to those at the DA’s Office and in Law Enforcement who have sacrificed their time, risked their lives, and work tirelessly under scrutiny to hold offenders accountable. I, and those in my Office, are sincerely grateful for your unwavering commitment to keep our community safe.”

According to the release, this trial comes after an investigation that occurred July 15, 2021, led by the Warner Robins Police Department — a shooting at Deloris Tolliver Park.

The release provides additional details:

“Evidence and testimony presented at trial established that in the early evening hours of July 15, 2021, law enforcement received a 911 emergency call regarding shots fired at Deloris Tolliver Park. Law enforcement made contact with the victims, Trevarious Solomon and James Nobles at Houston Medical Center where the pair were receiving treatment from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident. During the investigation detectives were able to determine the identity of the shooter as ‘Draco,’ who was confirmed to be Preston Lamar Hughes. Solomon (who was 15 at the time) suffered a gunshot would to the chest that resulted in long term paralysis from the chest down.”

Detective John Richards led the investigation. During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Ryan W. English and Senior Assistant District Attorney Sandra Matson were Hughes’ prosecutors.

English provided a comment in the release as well, speaking on the dangers of gun violence.

“It’s no hidden secret that gun violence has been on the rise in many areas throughout the State of Georgia. The brazenness that too many young men have shown their willingness to resolve disputes through use of a gun is something that must stop. Too many children and innocent bystanders have been hurt through gun violence. With today’s sentence, there is hope that it will deter this type of violence in our community and that Houston County residents will not stand to allow their parks to be warzones. The DA’s Office is thankful that Judge Lukemire’s sentence sends the message that justice will be served, and that gun violence will not be tolerated.”

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