Clayton News Daily

JONESBORO — A convicted felon in and out of state prison since 1996 has been charged with murder in last week’s shooting of a man at a Stockbridge Taco Bell, said authorities.

Clayton County police Lt. Chris Windley said Nashville, Tenn., police arrested Ellis Ray Saggus Jr., 42, of Ellenwood Saturday. Windley said Saggus was arrested at a residence on Pine Ridge Drive in Nashville. He is awaiting extradition to Clayton County on murder charges, said Windley.

Police alleged Saggus argued with victim Stewart Carrow in the parking lot of Taco Bell on Ga. 138 in Stockbridge before shooting him in the chest and fleeing the scene. Carrow died a short time later, said police.

Windley said Saggus’ alleged accomplice, Heather Bignault, 28, of Lilburn, was arrested with him. Bignault has been charged with hindering the apprehension of a criminal.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Saggus has been in and out of state prison since 1996. Most recently, Saggus was convicted in June 2011 of possession of methamphetamine in Clayton. He was released in November.

Windley said the arrest shows how important it is for law enforcement agencies to work together.

“The Clayton County Police Department would like to thank the assisting agencies for their efforts in helping in this arrest,” said Windley. “This shows that our partnership with other police agencies is vital.”