Man charged with murder in the gang-related shooting of 21-year-old woman

A 25-year-old man was arrested last week in the murder of a 21-year-old woman who police believe was killed in a gang-related shooting after she was followed from a Norcross nightclub.

Ms. Malia Arianne Ross Robinson was shot, perhaps more than once, on Dec. 9.

On Wednesday, police charged Mr. Omar Santana, of Lawrenceville, with felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to Gwinnett County police.

Detectives following up on leads executed a search warrant at Mr. Santana’s home at 1431 Daniel Lane and allegedly found evidence of drug sales, police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith said.

They also allegedly found evidence from the homicide, he said.

The shooting happened at 4:15 a.m. at 4161 Phil Niekro Pkwy., but police said the problem started much earlier.

Investigators believe Ms. Robinson was part of a crowd that had gotten into an argument with another group at the Liquid Ultra Lounge nightclub on Holcomb Bridge Road in Norcross.

“This altercation dispersed, but started up again at a local gas station,” Cpl. Smith has said.

A short time later, Ms. Robinson’s group went to a home on Phil Niekro Parkway.

“The second group showed up at this location as well, where the altercation renewed again,” Cpl. Smith said. “An unknown member of one of the groups produced a gun and fired multiple shots.”

Ms. Robinson was the only one hit. But police have not said how many times she was hit. She was transported to the hospital where she died a short time later.

“Detectives believe this case may be related to criminal street gang activity,” Cpl. Smith said. But they did not provide any details why.

Mr. Santana was being held without bond Monday at the Gwinnett County jail.

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