3 found guilty of murdering Grayson High School student Paul Sampleton Jr

Oct 7, 2014 - 21:21
Oct 7, 2014 - 21:30
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3 found guilty of murdering Grayson High School student Paul Sampleton Jr
Trial underway for slain teen, Paul Sampleton Jr., allegedly killed for high-end shoes

Three men who were accused of killing a 14-year-old Grayson High School student have all been found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Police said the teen was killed over high-end sneakers.

Andrew Murray, Tavaughn Saylor and Laell Sillah broke into Sampleton’s Gwinnett County townhouse, ransacking the home and shooting Sampleton in the head in December 2012.

Sampleton attended Grayson High School and was a star athlete who dreamed of playing Division 1 football.

Paul Sampleton

Andrew Murray

Tavaughn Sailor

Murray and Saylor were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the malice murder, a consecutive life sentence for the armed robbery, and a total of 120 years consecutive for the remaining counts.

Sillah was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the malice murder, a consecutive life sentence for the armed robbery, and a total of 135 years consecutive for the remaining counts.

Each of the defendants spoke boisterously at the sentencing hearing and ranted that prosecutor Mike Morrison had set them up and that they were innocent of the charges.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.