GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A Lawrenceville man, Bernie Ray Mack, 63, was convicted on Friday of shooting and killing his family members during a dispute that turned deadly in 2022. The tragic incident unfolded in the Harbor Bay neighborhood, leading to a shootout that resulted in the deaths of Bridget Pearl Brooks-Mack and Jeremy Roshawn Santos.
A jury in Gwinnett County deliberated and found Mack guilty of malice murder, voluntary manslaughter, two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of gun possession during the commission of a felony. The confrontation began on May 5, 2022, when Gwinnett County Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the intersection of Harbor Bay Drive and Chandler Road in Lawrenceville.
The dispute originated days earlier involving Mack, his wife Brooks-Mack, his stepdaughter Briana Santos, and her husband Jeremy Santos, escalating into a tragic event. Mack, after shooting his spouse at their residence, fled the scene. Briana and Jeremy Santos arrived shortly after to find Briana’s mother deceased inside the home. As they called the authorities and attempted to leave with their children, they encountered Mack returning to the neighborhood in his vehicle.
In response to the situation, Jeremy Santos, armed with a handgun, fired at Mack’s car. Mack began pursuing the Santos family with his vehicle, leading to a chaotic and violent encounter. Eventually, Mack got out of his car and chased Jeremy Santos on foot while continuing to shoot at him. Witnesses reported Mack firing at Jeremy Santos numerous times before a neighbor intervened and convinced Mack to surrender.
Following the tragic events, Mack was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 30 years. The outcome of the trial brought a sense of closure to the families affected by the violent dispute that ended in tragedy. The community continues to mourn the loss of Bridget Pearl Brooks-Mack and Jeremy Roshawn Santos, reflecting on the devastating impact of domestic disputes when they escalate to such extreme levels of violence.