Macon man admits guilt in 2021 shooting death of brother, gets 20-year sentence

A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to multiple charges in connection with the 2021 shooting death of his brother.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to multiple charges in connection with the 2021 shooting death of his brother.

The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office says 23-year-old James L. Card pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon a week before the state was to begin his trial.

On July 7, 2021, the DA’s Office says James Card fatally shot his brother, Marquez Card, during a verbal altercation on Dewey Street and that he also shot at another brother before fleeing the scene.

James Card was taken into custody two weeks later thanks to information provided by family members. He initially claimed self-defense, alleging Marquez had a weapon.

“The actions of James Card, as a son and a brother, have tragically resulted in a double loss for this family,” DA Anita Howard wrote. “Because of an unthinking moment with a firearm, one brother is dead at the hands of another. One son is no longer a part of the family, and the other son will spend many years of his young life away from that same family. My prayers are with this grieving family as they struggle to find a way to heal from this senseless violence.”

The District Attorney’s Office thanked the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in the case.