Thornton v. State, 292 Ga. 87

Thornton planned to rob Joshua Scott because Scott was his drug supplier with money and drugs at home.
Thornton enlisted four co-indictees and drove two to Scott’s neighborhood; another car followed and Thornton remained in his car to avoid recognition.
Scott’s door was kicked in; intruders announced police; Scott fired; an intruder was shot.
Two intruders returned fire, fatally shooting Scott; Thornton’s accomplice fled and Thornton drove them to the hospital.
Thornton was indicted for murder, three counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, attempted armed robbery, burglary, firearm during crime, and conspiracy.
Jury found Thornton guilty on multiple counts; sentences were imposed, with some counts merged or dead docketed; new trial motion denied.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Sufficiency of evidence as party to a crime	Thornton was present near the scene and aided planning.	Thornton did not participate beyond presence.	Evidence supported party-to-crime conviction.
Admission of prior drug activities	Prior drug use and dealing showed motive to rob.	Evidence was improper character in issue.	Admission to show motive proper; not inadmissible.
Ineffective assistance—Edge sequential charge	Charge was improper and prejudicial.	Charge was reasonable strategically and properly limited.	No ineffective assistance; charge reasonable under circumstances.

Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (U.S. Supreme Court 1979) (sufficiency standard for criminal convictions)
Curinton v. State, 283 Ga. 226 (Ga. 2008) (presence and conduct can infer participation)
Brady v. State, 270 Ga. 574 (Ga. 1999) (motive evidence admissible to prove crimes)
Johnson v. State, 260 Ga. 457 (Ga. 1990) (relevance of motive and evidence)
Edge v. State, 261 Ga. 865 (Ga. 1992) (rule governing lesser-included offenses and charges)
Morgan v. State, 290 Ga. 788 (Ga. 2012) (Edge charge timing and permissibility)