North Georgia murder defendants waive their arraignment

Published 7:45 am Thursday, May 2, 2019

CHATSWORTH, Ga. — Two people charged with felony murder for the February death of a woman during what Murray County Sheriff Gary Langford called a “botched drug deal” waived arraignment Wednesday in Superior Court.

The next court appearance for Anthony James Clark and Jami Brooke Johnson is scheduled for May 22. Neither appeared before Judge Cindy Morris during Wednesday’s court session. Clark, of Dalton, is charged with two counts of murder, armed robbery, robbery and possession of meth. Johnson, of a Rossville address, is charged with murder, robbery and possession of meth.

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Stasha Fay Baggett, 30, died shortly after midnight on Feb. 13. Her body was found in the driveway at 252 Red Cut Road in northern Murray County. Murray County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jimmy Davenport said it appeared Baggett was trying to stop Clark and Johnson from leaving. Langford said Baggett got run over or maybe struck a tree, but she was hanging onto the car as they were attempting to drive off.” A caller to 911 named Clark as the driver. Davenport said the incident originated from the sale of meth with an estimated street value of between $65 and $80. Baggett was said to be the seller.

Both defendants are being represented by the Public Defender’s Office.