Georgia mother reacts to son’s killers’ convictions after nearly four years

"When the judge read the guilty verdict, I just threw my head down," Felicia Marks said. "It was just a relief."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After four years, justice has been served for 16-year-old Ahmori Searcy, who was killed during an attempted robbery in 2021.

Last week, a jury found Zontravion Hernandez and Vernon Grable guilty of murder.

Hernandez was convicted of malice murder and aggravated assault. He received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for the malice murder count, plus 20 years to serve concurrently for aggravated assault.

Grable was convicted of felony murder and aggravated assault. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for the felony murder count, with a concurrent 20-year sentence for aggravated assault.

“When the judge read the guilty verdict, I just threw my head down,” Felicia Marks said. “It was just a relief.”

Ahmori, the youngest of three children and Felicia’s only son, was shot and killed in March of 2021 during an attempted robbery at Majestic Garden Apartments. Felicia says she remembers her son every day.

“I remember his smile,” she said. “I think about him all the time.

Felicia encourages kids to engage in sports and stay connected to their families.

“Find a sport activity to get engaged in,” she said. “Try to stay positive and motivated.”

Even after the convictions, Felicia says the pain of losing her son isn’t erased.

“My son is still not here,” she said.