Georgia Man Executed Driver Who Gave Him a Ride After Forcing Victim to Strip to His Underwear, Prosecutors Say
NORCROSS, GA — A Georgia man who accepted a ride from two men after a late-night event brutally executed one of them moments later — even after forcing the victim to strip down to his underwear to prove he wasn’t armed, authorities said.
Ride Offer Turns Deadly During Early-Morning Encounter
According to Gwinnett County prosecutors, 22-year-old Alinton Joel Rivera-Zuniga was with a friend inside a red SUV after attending an event at the Alta Gama hall in Norcross on Nov. 27, 2022.
When 32-year-old Brian Sanchez Duarte needed a ride, the two men agreed to help.
But once inside the vehicle, Duarte became paranoid and insisted Rivera-Zuniga might be carrying a weapon.
In an attempt to calm him, the victim removed all of his clothing except his underwear to show he wasn’t armed.
Prosecutors: Suspect Ordered Victim Out, Then Shot Him ‘Execution-Style’
The surviving witness testified that he pulled the SUV over, at which point Duarte got out, walked to the rear passenger door, and ordered Rivera-Zuniga to step outside.
Moments later, Duarte shot Rivera-Zuniga to death in what prosecutors described as an “execution-style” killing.
The victim collapsed in the roadway while Duarte and the other man fled the scene.
Rivera-Zuniga was found dead shortly after.
Jury Convicts Duarte After Two Hours of Deliberation
On Thursday, a Gwinnett County jury found Duarte guilty of:
- Malice Murder
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
He was immediately sentenced to life in prison.
District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson called the case a tragic example of needless violence.
“This was a senseless death,” she said.
“We hope the outcome of this case helps the victim’s family find solace.”
Community Reacts to the Brutal Killing
The case drew outrage across the region due to its sheer brutality. Prosecutors emphasized that Rivera-Zuniga’s attempts to comply with Duarte’s demands made the killing even more disturbing.
Authorities said there was no known conflict or prior issue between the men — just a random encounter that escalated into murder.
What are your thoughts on cases like this — where a simple act of kindness ends in violence? Share your voice over at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.