Suspect accused in pizza delivery driver's murder appears in court

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - One of the suspects in the murder of a pizza delivery driver appeared before a Gwinnett County judge Friday morning. 

Jermaine Young, 21, is charged with murder and armed robbery, along with 14-year-old Reginald Lofton. They're accused of killing Shane Varnadore, 28, as he made a delivery at an apartment complex in Gwinnett County late Tuesday night. 

The shooting happened at the Wesley Herrington located in the 1400 block of Herrington Road. Gwinnett County Police said they responded to the apartment complex after someone called 911 and reported shots fired. They found Varnadore dead on the scene. Police believe the motive was robbery.

Friday, Young had very little expression on his face in court as he learned he will remain behind bars. Because of his charge a Superior Court Judge would be the one to issue the bond, if there will be a bond. Young, who is unemployed, is no stranger to the court system. We found several cases against him in Chicago, ranging from gang activity to domestic violence and drug related charges. 

Young and Lofton will be back in court on March 18. Lofton, although he's a juvenile, is charged as an adult. 

Thursday, FOX 5 News spoke with the victim's mother, who said she's having trouble coping with her son's death. 

"I think it's just senseless," Teresa Varnadore said. "There was no need for this to happen."

Varnadore said she planned on being at the Friday court hearing, but wasn't there. She told FOX 5 on Thursday she hopes bond is denied to both suspects, who have remained behind bars since their arrests. 

Detectives said the suspects were detained Wednesday night at the same apartment complex where the shooting took place and charged Thursday morning after conducting interviews overnight. Young was booked into the Gwinnett County Detention Center and the teen was taken to a metro RYDC facility, according to police. 

"This is a tragic situation for the family of the decedent and the family of the suspects involved," Gwinnett County Police said in a news release. 

Shane Varnadore's funeral will take place this weekend.