SUWANEE, Ga. — A tragic case of mistaken identity resulted in the death of a 45-year-old wife and mother during a drive-by shooting in Gwinnett County, officials said.
Nicole Clemons was at her home, caring for her son and her 8-month-old grandson, when 23-year-old Christian Marcus Ware Lessington allegedly opened fire just after 2 a.m. Friday, according to Suwanee police. Authorities report that Clemons was not the intended target.
Lessington was arrested near the scene and has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault. Clemons succumbed to her injuries at the hospital later, leaving a community and her family in mourning.
Edrick Clemons, Nicole’s husband, expressed unimaginable grief over the event. He was out of town on a work trip when he received the devastating news. In heartfelt remarks, Edrick emphasized her nurturing nature and dedication to her family. Nicole Clemons was especially close to her mother, supporting her through her battle with breast cancer until she passed away last year.
“This tragedy has broken me,” Edrick Clemons said. “To know that the shooter was indifferent to the presence of a baby in the house highlights the callousness of this act.”
According to Edrick Clemons, the incident stemmed from a dispute involving Lessington and another family member, placing Nicole Clemons tragically in the line of fire while she attempted to protect her son.
Nicole, described by her husband as a beautiful soul who cherished her family deeply, regularly drove her mother to medical appointments at the VA, providing relentless support throughout her cancer treatment.
The senselessness of the shooting has left the family and community grappling with not only the loss but also with anger and disbelief. “Why her? It was senseless. This woman did nothing but care for people,” Edrick lamented, struggling to comprehend the randomness of the violence.
Local support has been a small comfort to the family amid their profound grief. Edrick Clemons expressed gratitude for the communal condolences and shared his belief that Nicole and her mother were now reunited.
While the investigation continues, there is anticipation about whether additional charges will be levied against Lessington.
As the Clemons family waits for justice, they now also must prepare to say their final farewells, though details of the funeral arrangements were still pending at the time of reporting.