Final defendants sentenced in 2022 Hazlehurst Gang shooting that killed teenager

HAZLEHURST, Ga. (WTOC) - The final three defendants charged in the fatal 2022 shooting of 18-year-old Malik McRae and the shooting of Camron Kornegay have now been convicted and sentenced, bringing closure to a violent case with ties to gang activity in the Hazlehurst community.

SEE: Two gang members found guilty for the murder of Hazlehurst teen

District Attorney Keith Higgins of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit announced that the last remaining defendant in the case, Kiyon Dotson, was convicted after a jury trial and sentenced to 50 years, with 35 years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation.

Dotson was found guilty on two counts of Aggravated Assault and four counts of Violating the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act following a three-day trial that began on June 23, 2025, in Jeff Davis Superior Court.

Dotson’s conviction follows guilty pleas from co-defendants Ahmad Clements, then 16 and Cameron James, who was also 16 at the time, who entered into plea agreements just before jury selection for the trial began.

Clements pled guilty to two counts of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

James pled guilty to two counts of Aggravated Assault and four counts of Street Gang Act violations, receiving a sentence of 40 years, with 20 years to be served in prison followed by 20 years on probation.

All sentences were handed down by Judge Roger B. Lane.

The convictions mark the conclusion of a case that has deeply shaken the local community.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Clements, James, Dotson, along with co-conspirators Daimon Smith and Jermon Rountree, were affiliated with a local gang known as Money Over Banging (MOB). MOB is described as a hybrid criminal street gang rooted in Rollin’ 60s Crips, but also includes members from rival gangs such as the Gangster Disciples and Bloods.

On the night of October 14, 2022, Malik McRae had gathered at a friend’s home in Hazlehurst with a group of teenagers when the five gang members showed up at the residence. According to prosecutors, the group came to confront one of McRae’s friends over a derogatory social media post targeting a gang member.

After entering the yard, Daimon Smith allegedly began arguing with McRae’s friend and another guest, demanding they come into the street to fight. When the group refused to leave, a resident retrieved a gun and fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to diffuse the confrontation.

Instead of retreating, Smith—now armed with a handgun provided by another gang member—fired into the group of teenagers as they attempted to flee back into the house. Malik McRae was fatally shot, and Camron Kornegay was struck as he ran alongside him-- but survived.

All five gang members involved in the confrontation have now been held accountable through the court system. The press release did not specify the outcomes or sentencing for Smith and Rountree, but noted their involvement in the crime and gang activity.

District Attorney Higgins, who personally prosecuted the case, emphasized the broader implications of the case in addressing gang violence.

“Violent criminal street gangs are the greatest threat to the safety of everyone who lives, works, and raises a family in our community,” Higgins stated. “I am committed to doing everything I can to combat these gangs and hold their members fully responsible for the crimes they commit.”

DA Keith Higgins

The DA’s office extended its appreciation to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Hazlehurst Police Department, and Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office for their joint efforts in the investigation and prosecution.