A Hogansville man has been charged with murder in the March 31 shooting death of Newnan resident James Christopher Johnson III outside the Corner Tavern.
Newnan Police Chief Buster Meadows said detectives were called to the Corner Tavern on the Newnan Crossing Bypass in reference to a shooting on March 31 at approximately 11 p.m. Arriving at the scene, Detective Sgt. Brent Blankenship responded to the scene and was advised that 25 year-old James Christopher Johnson III of Newnan was shot one time in the chest by Adam Lee Edmondson, 26, of 227 Oak Street in Hogansville, Meadows said.
Meadows said information obtained by investigators determined that on March 30 Edmondson and Johnson got into an argument in front of the Corner Tavern over Johnson’s girlfriend. This argument was based on Edmondson reportedly looking at Johnson’s girlfriend inappropriately, Meadows said, adding that the argument did not get physical and the argument was ended when Edmondson’s friend took him away and the two left the area.
On March 31 Johnson and his girlfriend returned to the Corner Tavern at approximately 10:15 p.m. The couple was at the establishment for approximately an hour when Edmondson reportedly approached Johnson’s girlfriend on the outside patio, Meadows said. After several attempts to tell Edmondson to leave her alone, she requested one of her friends to go get Johnson and the two security guards for assistance, Meadows added.
Meadows said Johnson came out to the patio and confronted Edmondson. Witness statements indicate Johnson pushed Edmondson and then turned his attention to Edmondson’s friend, according to reports. At this time Edmondson pulled a Springfield .40 Semi Auto handgun and fired one shot at Johnson striking him in the center of his chest, Meadows said.
Meadows said Edmondson was taken to the ground by security and held until police arrived. Johnson was transported to Piedmont Newnan Hospital where he was pronounced deceased, said Meadows.
Meadows said Edmondson was arrested, interviewed and later charged with murder.
