Mother of murder victim in YSL trial speaks out after acquittals

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The family of a murder victim in the YSL trial is speaking out after the remaining defendants in the case received verdicts on Tuesday.

Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell were found not guilty on charges related to the 2015 shooting death of Donovan Thomas Jr.

Thomas’ mother, Shawonna Edmond, was at the courthouse when the verdicts were announced.

“I didn’t question God. I just said, ‘Wow,’” Edmond said. “Unfortunately that didn’t happen in our favor, but as a family we’re OK. It’s time for me to pick up the pieces.”

Thomas, 26, was shot and killed in an alleged gang-related incident in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood. The murder became a big focus of the YSL trial, which was internationally watched due to its celebrity ties, with rapper Young Thug at the center.

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“They didn’t know Donovan in 2015. They just knew him from the point of this trial and the persons who were involved,” Edmond said about those who followed the trial.

Edmond still wants justice for her son and is speaking out to share his story. Thomas, who was also known as Peanut, was a father to two kids and had many things going for him, including a clothing line, according to his mom.

“He was so full of life... walked into a room and lit up the room,” Edmond said. “I could write a book about him. My gentle giant... my second-born... 26 wonderful years I thank God for and would do all over again if I had to.”

Edmond told Atlanta News First she believed prosecutors presented a good case and she doesn’t blame them for the trial’s outcome.

“I’m sad but I’m happy too. I have happy tears too, knowing the child that I raised and the love he’s given,” she said.