Charges against Ladavious McNair, a Clark Atlanta University student, have been dismissed after nearly a year of incarceration related to a 2023 road rage incident. McNair, a PhD candidate, consistently asserted his innocence, claiming he was in class at the incident’s time. His defense was bolstered by his attorney, Marsha Mignott, who noted, “The victim contacted my office after the first story aired and said that it wasn’t the guy.”
Despite McNair’s alibi and the victim’s recantation, detectives pursued him as the suspect. Mignott criticized the authorities’ handling of the case, stating that detectives had “evidence proving McNair’s innocence for nearly a year.” The case reached a pivotal moment when Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams labeled it “egregious,” condemning the District Attorney’s prolonged negligence.
Throughout this ordeal, McNair’s friends, classmates, and fraternity brothers voiced disbelief over the accusations, questioning the profile mismatch between McNair’s character and the alleged crime. Kenneth Love, a fraternity brother, expressed frustration, remarking, “How can we equate that type of behavior with a road rage incident to a gentleman who was in class at the time pursuing a PhD degree? The math just isn’t mathing.”
McNair reflected on the toll of his experience, describing his trauma: “I’ve experienced a lot of trauma in this. Experienced things no one should have to experience.” As a veteran, he lamented the feeling of abandonment by his community and country, saying, “No one should have to deal with this in 2024 in America.”
Now, Mignott is pushing for accountability, calling for an investigation into the detective responsible for McNair’s case and any other potentially mishandled cases. “How many other Ladavious McNairs are sitting at Rice Street?” she asked. Following his release, McNair emphasized the need for meaningful reparative action: “Only one way to make this right, and a handshake might not do. An apology or an ‘I’m sorry’ might not do.” The District Attorney’s office has not commented.
Link: Fox5Atlanta