'We Still Have A Long Way To Go'

The conviction and life sentence given to Jonathan Redding on Monday for the 2009 murder of a popular bartender in Grant Park was a significant milestone.

But the investigation of the crime — which galvanized city residents into demanding more from Atlanta City Hall and the police — is far from over.

"We still have a long ways to go with respect to the investigation," Atlanta Police Maj. Keith Meadows said in news conference Monday following sentencing.

"You can rest assured that we won't stop until those individuals are placed into custody."

John Henderson, a bartender at the former Standard Food & Spirits Bar was shot and killed Jan. 7 2009 during an attempted robbery of the restaurant.

Police believe Redding was one of several people involved in the shooting. Though his attorney argued — and prosecutors agreed — there was some question as to whether he was the actual trigger-man, Redding was charged because of a state law that allows prosecution of participants of such crimes.

Police tied Redding, whom they said is a member of the 30 Deep crime gang, to the standard crime via shell casings found at another shooting where Redding himself was shot.

Last week, police with help from state and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested 46 individuals with direct or indirect ties to the 30 Deep gang.

Meadows pledged to continue to work the case saying he reassigned it to APD's complex case squad in an effort to speed up the investigation.