Life sentence handed down in 2024 Pleezing Food Store murder case

Prosecutors say the shooting happened in broad daylight with children nearby.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A year after a man was shot outside of Pleezing Food Store, 20-year-old Javon Brendan Charles has been convicted on multiple charges, including malice murder.

According to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards, Charles walked into the store on April 16, 2024 and pointed a gun at Zephania Langston. Charles forced the victim outside and opened fire. Langston was shot four times, but managed to draw his own handgun and fire back, hitting Charles twice. Police Chief Greg Winters called the violence senseless in a statement.

“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.”

District Attorney Edwards echoed that sentiment in a statement of his own.

“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.”

Police received multiple calls about a person shot and found Langston injured at the scene. He later died from a gunshot wound to the chest. Charles fled the scene and collapsed nearby. Officers found him in from of 100 Oak View Grove Road. He was taken to Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, where doctors removed two bullets that investigators matched to Langston’s handgun. Police also found clothes Charles wore during the crime, including a mask.

On December 17, 2025, a jury convicted Charles of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime. The trial lasted three days. Charles was then sentenced to life in prison with an additional five years. District Attorney Edwards says the verdict sends a message.

“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.”

The case was prosecuted by Houston County Chief Assistant District Attorney Greg Winters and Assistant District Attorney Lina Khan, and investigated by Detective Matthew Brankley of the Warner Robins Police Department. DA Edwards thanked everyone involved for their work.

“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.”