COBB COUNTY, GEORGIA – Samuel El Harris, 22, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the shooting death of 21-year-old nursing student Alasia J. Franklin at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in 2024.
According to a FOX 5 Atlanta report on February 20, 2026, a Cobb County judge handed down the life sentence to Harris in connection with the incident that occurred in May 2024.
11 Shots Fired After Argument at Student Housing Complex
The incident took place on the afternoon of May 18, 2024, outside the Austin Residence Complex on campus. According to court documents, following an argument, Harris — who was not a student at the university — drew a gun and fired 11 shots near the building's entrance, targeting Franklin, his former girlfriend.
After the shooting, Harris fled in the victim's vehicle. Police located and apprehended the suspect approximately 10 miles from the scene, near an apartment complex in Marietta.
Forensic examination confirmed that the Glock 9 mm handgun recovered from Harris was the murder weapon.
Guilty Plea to Avoid Lengthy Trial
Harris pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including:
- Malice murder
- Aggravated assault
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm on school property
- Tampering with evidence
The guilty plea allowed Harris to avoid a lengthy public trial.
Prosecutor Recalls Victim's Unfulfilled Dreams
During the sentencing, the Cobb County District Attorney's Office recalled Franklin's dreams — a nursing student with aspirations of becoming an advanced practice registered nurse.
"She always tried to see the good in people and help them to be better," the prosecutor stated in court. The prosecutor emphasized that Harris had once received affection and generosity from Franklin, but ultimately took her life.
The case profoundly impacted the KSU student community and the city of Cairo, Georgia — the hometown of both the victim and the defendant.
