LEESBURG, Ga. (WALB) - Another high-profile murder trial is set to begin Monday. This time, in Lee County.

On May 3, 2024, 28-year-old Daquan Harris allegedly shot and killed his manager, 48-year-old Joseph Dorminey, while Dorminey was closing up for the night and putting money into the safe at Little Caesars on in Lee County.

Harris faces seven charges:

• Malice murder
• Two counts of felony murder
• Aggravated assault
• Armed robbery
• Two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Dorminey’s death shook nearby businesses in the strip mall.

“It’s just... it’s traumatic for people. To go home at night and wake up in the morning to find out their neighbor had been shot. I don’t know what else to say,” said John Williams of Knight’s Apparel and Gifts, a store next to the pizzeria.

According to his obituary, Dorminey enjoyed spending time with his friends. He loved his dogs, and just before his death, he helped organize a fundraiser for the local animal shelter.

“Joey was a great guy. People loved him. He was always energetic, always had a smile on his face. A good neighbor to our business and to this center. Everyone I knew who knew him thought the world of him. It’s just tragic what happened,’ continued Williams.

WALB previously reported that the state would likely pursue life imprisonment without parole. Jury selection for the trial begins Monday, September 8.

WALB News 10 will provide continued coverage of the trial.

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