by Robin Kemp
1:49 pm: UPDATES with first appearance details, victim’s name, audio of first appearance
The woman suspected of fatally shooting another woman who was sitting in a car in a Waffle House parking lot early June 19 made first appearance in a live Zoom session of Clayton County Magistrate Court Saturday.
The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office said its Fugitive Squad captured Jasmine Monica Kirk, 35, “at a location in Atlanta” Friday night.
Magistrate Court Judge Salvia Smith Fox read the charges, naming Mary Latrice Branch as the victim who was killed instantly by three .38-caliber shots to the sternum, right breast, and just below the right armpit.
According to CCSO, Kirk allegedly walked up to Branch, who was sitting in a car at the Waffle House at 8765 Tara Blvd., apparently waiting for a takeout order around 4 a.m. Friday, and shot her through the passenger window. Officers who responded attempted to render aid but said Branch was dead at the scene.
Fox denied bond on the charges of malice murder and possession of a firearm during a crime but granted $10,000 bond on discharging a firearm near a highway.
Kirk’s preliminary hearing is set for July 27 at 8 a.m. in Room 203 and her bond hearing is set for July 31 at 8 a.m. in Room 203.
Kirk asked Fox whether she could talk with the detectives about her case. Fox replied that she should consult with her attorney.
CCSO provided a photo of Kirk chained at the wrists, as well as a mugshot, via Sheriff Victor Hill’s Nixle account. While we will publish security camera stills and video of suspects at large, as well as images of defendants in open court, it is the editorial policy of The Clayton Crescent to avoid publishing mugshot photos of people accused of crimes whenever possible. Learn why here.
