Alpharetta,GA – Two former milton High School basketball players pleaded guilty today in connection with the 2021 shooting death of Connor Mediate in Alpharetta. Javon Murray and Bryce Walker both entered guilty pleas, bringing an end to a case that was repeatedly delayed due to legal conflicts stemming from the ongoing YSL trial.The pleas conclude a nearly three-year legal saga for the Mediate family, who expressed frustration with the pace of justice and concerns about potential retaliation, even relocating out of state while awaiting resolution. Murray and Walker’s guilty pleas offer a measure of closure, though Connor Mediate’s mother stated in court, “Yes, he had his struggles. But honestly, he did not deserve this, and neither did my family.”
According to reports, the case faced delays as Murray’s attorney, Bruce Harvey, was heavily involved in the protracted YSL trial, prompting him to file multiple requests for postponements. Joe Mediate, Connor’s father, voiced his concerns, stating, “I feel that there’s no sense of urgency here, and I feel like they’re catering to the criminals more so than catering to the victims.”
Channel 2 Action News reported that both Murray and Walker offered apologies to the Mediate family during the plea hearing. Walker stated, “I never intended on anyone’s life to be taken. If I could go back to that day and change anything that occurred, I really would.”
Connor Mediate, described by his father as a “good student” and “everyone’s friend,” was pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, detailing cars and installing car stereos, at the time of his death. The Mediate family had requested Judge Ingram impose the maximum sentence possible. Details regarding sentencing have not yet been released.
