Javaris Crittenton Indicted: Former NBA Star Hit with Murder Charges and Gang Activity

By Jared Feldschreiber | Apr 03, 2013 01:42 PM EDT

Javaris Crittenton, a former Georgia Tech guard, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, was indicted Tuesday on charges of murder and gang activity in Atlanta, the Associated Press reported.

The Fulton County District Attorney's office said that Crittento, who is 25 years old, and his cousin Douglas Gamble were charged in a 12-count indicment in an Atlanta woman's death, and the attempted murder of another man.

The Atlanta mother of two, Julian Jones was shot and killed in southwest Atlanta while walking with a group of people in August, 2011. Authorites say that incident along with a second shooting were gang-related. The shootings may have been retaliation, officials say, when Crittenton was a robbery victim in which $50,000 worth of jewelry was stolen.

Crittenton's attorney, Brian Steel, says his client is not guilty in the shooting.

''Mr. Crittenton and I look forward to proceeding to a jury trial, where the jury will be able to hear and see all of the evidence and reach a lawful, just, and proper verdict of not guilty,'' Steel said Tuesday night, adding that he disputes the notion the ex-NBA player was involved in any gang activity.

While a member of the Washington Wizards, Crittenton was suspended for 38 games during the 2009-2010 for pulling a game in the locker room, apparently involved in a dispute stemming from a card game on a team flight. Arenas brought four guns to the locker room and set them in front of Crittenton's locker with a sign telling him to "PICK 1." Critten took his own gun.

He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge on January 25, receiving probation. 

Crittenton has most recently played for the Dakota Wizards of the NBA D-League.

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