A Georgia man was convicted of murder after a jury reviewed crucial evidence from his own Instagram account, which revealed that he had planned to “pop and dip” just minutes before shooting his victim. The conviction came after a trial in Clayton County Superior Court, which concluded on December 20, 2024, three years to the day after the fatal shooting of Geoffrey Canty, 19, in 2021. Shamel Crowder, 24, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 25 years.
The tragic events unfolded on December 20, 2021, when Crowder arranged to meet Canty in a parking lot to sell him a gun for $300. After receiving the payment, Crowder shot Canty three times in the stomach with the very gun he had promised to sell. Crowder then took both the money and the gun, leaving Canty to die in the parking lot of his workplace. The crime was witnessed by two individuals who were later arrested and tried as codefendants in the case.
In addition to eyewitness testimony, the prosecution presented evidence from Crowder’s social media activity, which played a significant role in the conviction. Just minutes before the shooting, Crowder made an Instagram post where he wrote that he planned to “pop and dip.” The post was a direct indication of his intention to commit the crime and was time-stamped just before the meeting with Canty. This piece of evidence, coupled with other charges, helped secure the conviction.
Crowder was found guilty of multiple charges, including malice murder, two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The jury deliberated on the case and ultimately concluded that Crowder’s actions were deliberate and premeditated, leading to the murder conviction.
The use of social media as evidence in criminal cases has become more common in recent years, as platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter provide investigators with a window into the thoughts and actions of suspects. In this case, Crowder’s post provided a chilling glimpse into his mindset just before the crime. It also highlighted the dangers of making public statements on social media that can be used against individuals in court.
Crowder’s actions not only led to the loss of a young life but also highlighted the growing trend of violence linked to social media and the ease with which people can use these platforms to document their criminal behavior. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities and the potential for digital footprints to play a significant role in criminal investigations.
As the trial concluded, the family and friends of Geoffrey Canty were left to mourn his untimely death, while Crowder now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes. The case underscores the importance of accountability, both in the real world and in the digital realm, and the significant role social media can play in bringing justice to victims and their families.
