Fourth defendant sentenced in 2021 Macon hotel killing linked to drug deal
District Attorney Anita Howard announced that Lucky Chiderah Udeh entered a guilty plea Monday for his role in the November 23, 2021, killing of Chauncey Love.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The final defendant involved in a deadly 2021 drug deal in a Macon hotel parking lot has pleaded guilty, concluding a case that left one man dead and four others facing prison time.
District Attorney Anita Howard announced that Lucky Chiderah Udeh entered a guilty plea Monday for his role in the November 23, 2021, killing of Chauncey Love.
“This case represents a stark reminder of how illegal drug transactions can spiral into deadly violence in mere moments,” Howard said. “These guilty pleas ensure accountability for each person who played a role in this tragedy. My office remains committed to prosecuting those who bring violence to our community.”
Investigators said Love traveled from Florida to Macon with Dorian Pierce and McKenzie Phillip Scott to sell five pounds of marijuana to Udeh and Jamir Kortez Culbreath. Because the two groups were unfamiliar with each other, Isaac Adesina coordinated the meeting and brought Javacea Battle along for protection.
Surveillance footage from the Best Western at 2400 Riverside Drive captured the confrontation. After all vehicles arrived in the parking lot, Culbreath entered the backseat of Love’s car, triggering a violent struggle. Culbreath fired a handgun twice, fatally wounding Love, while Udeh exited his vehicle and pointed a rifle toward the rear of Love’s car, escalating the dangerous encounter.
All four defendants have now pleaded guilty. Culbreath, the shooter, previously pleaded guilty on August 15, 2025, to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault and received a sentence of 40 years, with 20 years to serve. Udeh, who pointed the rifle, was sentenced to 20 years, with 10 years to serve for aggravated assault. Adesina and Battle, who facilitated the drug transaction and provided armed backup, also pleaded guilty on August 15, 2025. Adesina received 15 years, with three years to serve, while Battle received 15 years, with two years to serve, both for sale of marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
As part of their plea agreements, all four defendants are permanently banned from returning to the Macon Judicial Circuit.
