Posted: 6:12 AM Dec 5, 2012
Reporter: Sheli Muniz

December 5, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Sentencing for the accused gunman in the 2011 Belair Conference Center murder has been postponed.

Johndrick Barnes, 21, was supposed to be sentenced by Judge Carlisle Overstreet in Columbia County Wednesday morning, but at the request of prosecutors and the defense, they have continued it.

Barnes was charged with malice, felony murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime after deputies say he shot and killed a 19-year-old employee during a sweet 16 party.

On March 19, 2011, several fights broke out and the DJ stopped the music to ask people to leave.

Dispatchers also told News 12 they received several 911 calls from people reporting fights at the location and could hear screaming in the background.

As people started leaving, witnesses say a man named "DQ" was threatening to start shooting in the parking lot. Several shots were heard and party employees asked people to come back inside for their safety.

James S. Gillette Jr., 19, collapsed inside the front entrance as he walked inside, Morris said.

Family members tell News 12 Gillette was working at the conference center during the party and was trying to get guests into the building.

No new date has been set for the sentencing hearing. Check back for updates.

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