By Ace Cannon
A jury has convicted the man accused of gunning down rapper T.I.'s assistant last May after a show in Cincinnati. Hosea Thomas, 35, was found guilty on all counts - including murder - today (November 26).
Prosecutors alleged that Thomas was the triggerman in the May 3, 2006 shooting, while his brother Padron drove the Jeep that followed two of the rapper's vans down I-75.
The incident stemmed from an earlier altercation inside of Club Ritz, where Hosea was struck in the head with a bottle.
Hosea Thomas was convicted of firing the shots into T.I.'s van that struck and killed Philant Johnson, who died from a gunshot wound to the left temple.
Three other members of T.I.'s entourage were injured during the exchange, which took place on the interstate.
Hosea Thomas was convicted after a number of people testified he was the shooter, including his own brother Padron, who will receive a lesser sentence for his cooperation.
Thomas faces 20 years to life in prison when he is sentenced December 23.
In related news, T.I. and his Grand Hustle cohorts plan to give back to their Atlanta community through a series of charitable events this Thanksgiving.
Following a press conference, which kicks off at 9:00 am, T.I. and his
entourage will help serve food and will also speak encouraging words to
the children and parents in attendance.
At 7:00 PM, T.I. will head to Adamsville Recreation Center, where he and members of his Grand Hustle imprint will host a turkey giveaway.
Later, the rapper will head to Turner Field, where he will take part in the Feed The Hungry & Homeless event.