Grand jury indicts murder suspect

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2016

Alleged gang member expected in court next week

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

Harden

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/05/web1_Harden-1.jpgHarden

LaGRANGE — A man who was out of jail less than five hours before allegedly shooting and killing another man on Spring Street was indicted by a Troup County Grand Jury earlier this month.

Coby Jermaine Harden, 26, of Keyes Street, was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravate assault, possession of firearm during commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and six counts of violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act.

Harden is accused of shooting T’Quarius Holloway, 22, several times on March 4. Holloway died the next day at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

The indictment said Harden is believed to be a member or known associate of the Bloods criminal street gang. The document stated he committed the murder with the intent to “maintain and increase his status and position is said gang.”

According to documents obtained by the Daily News, Harden had been behind bars awaiting trial for another violent crime — a shooting on April 8, 2015, in front of the Daniel Street Food Market.

But the 26 year old never went to trial after the victim refused to cooperate with investigators on the case, and there was insufficient evidence to prove Harden was the shooter, according to the Troup County District Attorney’s office.

Documents show Harden was released from the Troup County Jail about 6:15 p.m. March 4. Police reports state roughly four hours and 43 minutes later — at 10:58 p.m. — LaGrange police officers were dispatched to Spring Street to respond to a call for shots fired.

Harden also has been connected to other incidents. At the time of the 2015 shooting, he was also on probation for possession of marijuana, obstruction of law enforcement officers, simple battery and possession of cocaine, according to Troup County Superior Court documents.

The documents state Harden either pleaded guilty or was convicted of those charges in April 2012. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and to complete a boot camp confinement program.

Harden is expected to be arraigned in a Troup County Superior Court on May 16.

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She may be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.