Former Atlanta police officer Koby Minor finds himself behind bars following a tragic incident where he shot and killed his Lyft driver on May 15 over what he claims was a miscommunication.
According to reports from WSBTV, Minor, who was on unpaid leave from the Atlanta Police Department due to a prior incident involving a controlled substance, called for a Lyft ride after leaving a friend’s house in Union City, GA around midnight on May 15.
Reginald Folks, the Lyft driver, arrived to pick him up, and the two set off on their journey.
Minor alleges that during the ride, Folks engaged in a phone conversation in what he perceived as a “different language.”
Feeling uneasy, Minor asked to be let out of the car, but Folks purportedly refused.
When the vehicle stopped at a red light and Minor attempted to exit, he found the doors locked, further heightening his anxiety.
Fearing for his safety as Folks reached into the backseat, Minor opened fire, fatally shooting Folks three times, including a fatal blow to the head.
Minor then fled the scene through a window and flagged down another driver to contact the authorities.
A witness reported that Minor claimed Folks was attempting to recruit him into a “gay fraternity” and believed he was being kidnapped.
However, during initial police questioning, Minor stated he was unsure of Folks’ sexual orientation.
Minor has been arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
Meanwhile, Folks, described as a professional wrestler who drove for Lyft on the side, is remembered by loved ones as a funny and loving individual.
Those close to Folks deny any affiliation with a “gay fraternity,” adding to the mystery surrounding the tragic incident.
Potential punishment Koby Minor could face
If Koby Minor is convicted of murder and aggravated assault for the fatal shooting of his Lyft driver, he could face severe penalties under Georgia state law.
For murder, Georgia law provides for a range of sentences, including life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
Aggravated assault is considered a felony offense in Georgia, and depending on the severity of the offense and any aggravating factors, the sentence could range from one to 20 years in prison.
However, the final decision on sentencing would be up to the judge presiding over the case, who would consider various factors, including the evidence presented, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, and any applicable sentencing guidelines.
