Beggar Wanique Odwin jailed for life for shooting dead tourist who refused to give him a quarter after asking for directions

Mike Gallagher

Aug 14, 2012 - 08:03

Aug 14, 2012 - 08:23

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Beggar Wanique Odwin jailed for life for shooting dead tourist who refused to give him a quarter after asking for directions

Beggar Wanique Odwin, 29, murdered Kashma Avery, 48, in Atlanta, Georgia, in September 2008

A beggar has been sentenced to life in prison for shooting dead a tourist who had refused his demand for a quarter.

Wanique Odwin, 29, murdered Kashma Avery, 48, in Atlanta, Georgia, in September 2008.

Mr Avery and friend Jay Abeathy, 33, both from Michigan, were at a Shell gas station in the midtown area of the city when they asked Odwin for directions.

When Mr Avery refused his demand for a quarter, Odwin became hostile and pulled out a .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Mr Abeathy tried to grab the gun, but Odwin shot and wounded Mr Avery, who later died in hospital.

Odwin fled but was arrested minutes later at a homeless camping area.
He was yesterday sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years at Fulton County Superior Court after a jury found him guilty of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.

Following the murder, Atlanta police launched a 30-day crackdown on begging following a barrage of complaints from both tourists and local residents.

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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.