Murder hearing continued for alleged gang member charged in Columbus shooting

The preliminary hearing set early Friday for the man accused in the August shooting on Wickham Drive was continued until a later date.

Clayton Perry, 17, faces one count each of murder, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The case was postponed until 9 a.m. Oct. 23 after he told the court his family planned to hire him an attorney.

Perry was charged in the death of 26-year-old James Francesconi, who was shot in the torso around 9:54 p.m. Aug. 15 while sitting in his car at 228 Wickham Drive.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said Francesconi was in critical condition and on life support at Columbus Midtown Medical Center for about two days. He was pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m. Aug. 17.

Perry is among 12 alleged gang members arrested in connection with a massive burglary ring. They collectively face 118 charges, Maj. Gil Slouchick said in a press release.

Police have identified many as members of the Zohannon gang. It’s a subset of the Gangster Disciples, which authorities said is the largest gang operating in Columbus.

Officials said the fourth-month long investigation led them to clear 33 residential burglaries, seven auto thefts, one second-degree burglary and the seizure of eight guns. Nearly $160,000 worth of stolen property was found, according to police.

Sarah Robinson: 706-571-8622, @sarahR_92

This story was originally published October 13, 2017 at 8:56 AM with the headline "Murder hearing continued for alleged gang member charged in Columbus shooting."