Father of Daryus Bryant speaks out after second suspect appears in court

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — After the second suspect accused of the murder of Daryus Bryant appeared in court on Thursday, his father Catarsman Bryant spoke to WRBL News 3 following the hearing and shared his thoughts on the case.

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“I don’t want this narrative to get out to make this seem like this two gang wars going at each other because that’s the way it’s coming across,” said Bryant. “This an innocent kid that was rolled upon by gang members… to say that it’s two gang wars that’s definitely not the case in this situation.”

Semaj Copeland appeared in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the murder. Court testimony revealed that Copeland was the driver of the vehicle used in the murder and also Daryus Bryant’s cousin.

When WRBL asked Catarsman what justice would like for the family members of Daryus Bryant, he responded by saying, “just need to breathe a little more easier… life without parole. That’s the only thing that can make this feel a little bit better. Because we’ll never see my son again, so I think life without parole is the only answer.”

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Zion Horton who is also accused of the murder was taken into custody in Coweta County, Georgia and was transported to Columbus on Thursday.

Horton is charged with murder, three counts of aggravated assault possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday.