The Georgia Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction of CJ Ward, a man sentenced to 45 years for a violent carjacking and shooting that left a victim a quadriplegic. The decision, announced by District Attorney Jaeson Smith, marks the end of a lengthy and complex appellate process.
Ward was found guilty by a Haralson County jury of aggravated battery, hijacking a motor vehicle, and several related felonies. The conviction stems from an incident where Ward shot the victim in the neck while inside a moving vehicle. The victim, who was the driver, was then forcibly removed from the vehicle before Ward stole it. The gunshot wound resulted in the victim becoming a quadriplegic.
In November 2022, a jury found Ward guilty, and he was subsequently sentenced to 45 years, with the first 30 years to be served in prison.
“Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Alison Karch did an outstanding job managing this case through the appellate process,” said DA Smith. “Her dedication and legal acumen were instrumental in securing this outcome.”
Smith also acknowledged the efforts of the initial trial prosecution team, specifically recognizing now-West Georgia Circuit District Attorney Sarah Japour. “I want to extend my appreciation to… Sarah Japour, who successfully prosecuted this case to a guilty verdict in November 2022 during her tenure in our Haralson County office,” Smith said.
The District Attorney highlighted the challenging nature of appellate proceedings, which can take years to complete and require specialized legal expertise. He noted that the successful outcome in this case, along with others this year, demonstrates the “depth of experience within our trial and appellate teams.”
The appeals court’s decision to uphold the original conviction solidifies the jury’s verdict and ensures that Ward will serve his sentence for the violent crime he committed.