Clayton News Daily

Julius Ryan Thomas

By Kathy Jefcoats

kjefcoats@news-daily.com

JONESBORO — Less than a month after a cabbie was found shot to death in Riverdale, Clayton County police announced charges against two men they believe are responsible.

Officer Danielle Rosa said Desmond Brandon Nixon, 22, of River Hill Drive in Riverdale is being held in the Clayton County Jail without bond on murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon and first offender probationer, false statements and robbery, among other charges.

Nixon, a convicted felon, is charged with the Jan. 25 shooting death of cabbie Rosendo Casarrubias.

Rosa said Nixon was picked up Feb. 2 by police in connection with an alleged sexual assault. Through a further investigation, police were able to connect Nixon to Casarrubias’ death, said Rosa.

Police got warrants Tuesday to arrest Julius Ryan Thomas, also in connection with the cabbie’s death. Thomas is charged with murder, false statements and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, she said.

Rosa said Thursday Thomas was picked up by police in Providence, Rhode Island, and is awaiting extradition to Georgia.

Nixon is also being held for rape, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime and probation violation. He made his first appearance Wednesday and was denied bond. He is due to return to Magistrate Court March 5 for a preliminary hearing and March 8 for bond reconsideration.

Georgia Department of Corrections records show Nixon was released from prison in August 2011 after being convicted in October 2009 for robbery and aggravated assault in Clayton County.

Casarrubias was found dead from a gunshot to his head Jan. 25 inside his cab parked in the 200 block of Brookview Drive in Riverdale.

“The Clayton County Police Department is committed to the apprehension of all criminals and will continue to work diligently to get persons responsible for criminal acts off the streets of Clayton County, ensuring a safe environment for all citizens,” said Rosa.