They Left Him to Die — Then Walked Free: How the Justice System Failed Connor

Connor Mediate was only 24 years old when he was shot and killed by two young men in a senseless, calculated act of violence.

After killing him, they didn’t call for help. They didn’t show remorse. Instead, they dragged his body into a parking lot and left him to die, alone in the cold.

They Went Back to School Like Nothing Happened

After the murder, both young men returned to Milton High School in Georgia — practicing and playing varsity basketball each week, as if nothing had happened. No remorse. No accountability. No consequences.

This culture — one of “win at all costs” in high school sports — creates a dangerous pipeline when coaches recruit students from outside the community and provide no guidance, oversight, support, or structure.

Walker, one of the defendants, was recruited to play for Milton’s basketball team despite not being from the area. He was left unsupervised, without parental support or coaching oversight. During the proceedings, we learned that a relative gave him a gun “for protection” — a gun he used in multiple robberies. Connor wasn’t the only victim. He was just the one who fought back.

Then They Covered It Up

What happened next is chilling:

They cut off their signature dreadlocks to change their appearance
They deleted their social media accounts — accounts where they had talked about a “lick” (slang for a robbery)
They tried to disappear into everyday life while Connor’s family was left to pick up the pieces

This wasn’t a tragic accident. This was a deliberate act, followed by a deliberate cover-up.

The Police Did Their Job. The System Didn’t.

The investigators connected the dots. The prosecution brought strong evidence. Both defendants were originally denied bail.

But over time, the defense team chipped away at the system. They filed motion after motion. And eventually, the judge lowered bail not once, but twice.

That’s how Cameron Walker walked free on house arrest for just $17,000 — 10% of a $170,000 bond. While on house arrest, he even fathered a child.

A Final Insult: A Weekend of Freedom

When the plea deal was finalized, one detail shocked even those following the case closely:

After pleading guilty to his role in Connor’s death, Cameron Walker was allowed to walk free for the weekend — to spend time with his family and newborn child. He was ordered to report back to jail on Monday.

That freedom — a weekend of comfort, family, and normalcy — was a gift Connor would never receive.

“We live every day with a life sentence of grief. Watching Connor’s killer walk free for the weekend after pleading guilty — that’s not justice. That’s betrayal.” — Joe Mediate

Why This Matters for Every Family

This isn’t just about Connor. It’s about every family who has lost someone to violence — and then been retraumatized by a system that favors the rights of the accused over the rights of the victims.

It’s about a system where felony murder suspects get bail. Where repeat motions go unchecked. Where plea deals are accepted behind closed doors, without transparency or full disclosure of the facts.

We’re Not Done Fighting

The Justice for Connor movement continues — and this time, with even greater resolve. We are calling for real reforms to protect families like ours:

No bail for felony murder charges, or strict statewide rules with victim input
Limit repeat bail motions unless new evidence is presented
Victims’ families deserve stronger rights than those who took their loved one’s life

Take Action

Share This Story

If this injustice angers you, don’t stay silent. Share this story with your friends. Tell your lawmakers. Speak up for those who can’t.

We will keep fighting — for Connor, for justice, and for real change.