COLUMBUS, Ga. — A teenager has been convicted in the fatal shooting of Ryan Boles, a 23-year-old graduate of Columbus State University. The jury found 18-year-old Jadarius Snipes guilty of felony murder and first-degree robbery, determining that he not only participated in the crime but also encouraged his 13-year-old accomplice to commit the act.
The incident occurred on December 12, 2023, when Boles was shot after leaving a Christmas party in Phenix City. Authorities discovered him inside his vehicle, parked near Synovus Bank in the 1000 block of 13th Street.
During the trial, prosecutor Rick Chancey explained the legal definitions of accessory to murder and robbery, painting Boles as a vibrant individual with a promising future. The prosecution contended that Snipes was improperly in possession of a firearm at the age of 16 and had actively guided the younger assailant during the attempted robbery. They characterized Snipes not as an unwitting bystander, but as a key part of the incident.
Evidence presented included testimony about Snipes’ attire on the night of the shooting, with a black Reebok hoodie identified as similar to one worn during the crime, although it has not been recovered. The prosecution highlighted a troubling social media post made by Snipes the day after the incident, where he was seen displaying gang signs while brandishing a weapon.
Prosecutors maintained that Snipes had the opportunity to leave the scene after the attempted robbery of an older man named Douglas Rutledge, who had been their initial target. They further accused him of lying during the police investigation and stressed the need for accountability in such violent acts.
In contrast, defense attorney Justice Armstrong focused on Snipes’ age, suggesting that the teenager did not act with full awareness and was overwhelmed after the failed robbery attempt. Rutledge, who testified but struggled with memory due to health issues, referred to Snipes as a “nephew,” a term he used for neighborhood youths.
The defense argued that the 13-year-old did not require guidance for his actions, claiming that he was already involved in gang activities. They pointed to Snipes’ distance from the murder scene, emphasizing that he did not cross a fence when the shooting occurred.
Amidst the defense’s claims, authorities reportedly discovered a 9mm handgun in Snipes’ bedroom, the same caliber used in Boles’ murder. However, the defense questioned the police’s ability to conclusively link the weapon to the crime, citing the poor condition of Snipes’ home.
Defense attorneys explained that Snipes remained near the scene because he was still processing the situation, stating his words to the younger accomplice after the botched robbery were indicative of this confusion. While the defense conceded that Snipes assisted in the robbery, they denied that he bore responsibility for Boles’ death.
Sentencing for Snipes is scheduled for November 21 at 9 a.m., as the court prepares to impose consequences for the roles he played in this tragic event.