Warner Robins man sentenced to life for 2024 convenience store shooting

WARNER ROBINS — A man was sentenced to life in prison for a shooting that claimed a life outside a convenience store in Warner Robins last year, the Houston County District Attorney’s office recently announced.

According to a press release, 20-year old Javon Charles, of Warner Robins, was convicted on Dec. 17 of malice murder after a three-day jury trial in Houston County Superior Court. He was sentenced to life in prison, plus five years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The charges stemmed from a shooting on April 16, 2024 at the Pleezing Food Store on South Davis Drive. Officers from the Warner Robins Police Department arrived to find the victim, Zephaniah Langston, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Surveillance video showed Langston held at gunpoint inside the business before being forced outside. Outside, he was shot four times and was able to draw a handgun and return fire, striking Charles twice. Langston died from his injuries.

Charles fled the scene after the shooting but collapsed a short distance away. He was taken to Atrium Health Navicent for treatment.

Investigators matched bullets removed from Charles to Langston’s gun and recovered items of clothing worn during the shooting, including a mask.

The case was investigated by Det. Matthew Brankley of the Warner Robins Police Department. Charles was sentenced by Judge G.E. “Bo” Adams and prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Greg Winters and Assistant District Attorney Lina Khan. 

Winters and District Attorney Eric Edwards provided comments.

Winters said, “The citizens of Houston County deserve to know that murder and violence will not go unanswered. The loss of life is always tragic, but the senseless murder of Zephaniah Langston at approximately 4:45 p.m. was not only tragic, it was frightening. Javon Charles chose to take a life in broad daylight with children present. In doing so, he placed other countless innocent people in danger. 

“I am grateful for the tireless investigation conducted by the Warner Robins Police Department, led by Investigator Matthew Brankley, as well as the assistance provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The efforts of these agencies helped bring justice to Zephaniah’s family and made the streets of Houston County safer.”

Edwards said, “This case is a stark reminder of how quickly senseless violence can erupt and permanently shatter lives. Zephaniah Langston’s family is left with a loss that can never be undone because of a deliberate and violent choice made in broad daylight, in a public place, with innocent people nearby. 

“Houston County will not tolerate this kind of violence. When someone chooses to arm themselves, abduct another person at gunpoint, and pull the trigger, our justice system will respond decisively. This verdict sends a clear message that those who bring deadly violence into our community will be held fully accountable.

“I am grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence, and to the Warner Robins Police Department for their swift, thorough investigation. While no verdict can heal the pain suffered by Zephaniah’s family, I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of justice and affirms our commitment to keeping our community safe.”