A trial that ended this past week will see a man sent to prison after a jury convicted him on multiple charges including malice murder for a 2022 shooting in Cedartown.
Randy McClarity will face a sentencing hearing following the guilty verdict on all charges against him on Friday evening following the conclusion of his trial for the shooting death of Summer Bryant in August 2022 on East Gibson Street, and then shooting her mother Julie Thigpin in the ear.
A third individual was a victim in the shooting as well at the time, but was able to flee the scene unharmed. He was apprehended a short time later by law enforcement.
McClarity defended himself in court instead of relying on the help of an attorney, while Assistant District Attorney Kaleigh Carter Mull and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Alison Karch took the lead for the state in the case overseen by Superior Court Judge Andrew Roper.
He was found guilty for malice murder, felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of terroristic threats and other gun charges.
In a release posted on social media on Friday following the conclusion of the weeklong trial, Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney Jaeson Smith offered his condolences to Bryant’s family.
“Our hearts absolutely go out to the family of Ms. Bryant. We can only hope this verdict brings Summer’s family and friends closure knowing justice will be served,” the statement read. “I want to thank the Cedartown Police Department and the GBI for a great investigation. And a special thank you to our victim advocates who helped the family of Ms. Bryant throughout the trial process.”
McClarity was also involved in a shooting incident months prior, where he was involved in a domestic argument at the Grand’s Store and was the the victim in the incident after being shot by his son, Randy McClarity Jr.
He had a record dating back to run-ins with law enforcement to 2017.
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