Upson County Superior Court Conviction

MARIE G. BRODER

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

9/29/25

PRESS RELEASE

On September 26, 2025, an Upson County jury convicted Samone Reed on a four-count indictment including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Criminal Trespass. The case was tried before the Honorable Judge W. Fletcher Sams of the Upson County Superior Court. Senior Assistant District Attorney John McAbee and Chief Assistant District Attorney David Studdard tried the case for the state.

During the three-day trial, the jury heard evidence that during the summer of 2024, the victim in the case, Mr. Tykevius Montfort and the defendant, Mr. Samone Reed were, at different times, romantically involved with Eniyah Smith. Testimony at trial revealed that Ms. Smith believed that Mr. Montfort went to her home on August 25th and cut two of her tires. In the early hours of August 26th, Ms. Smith and Mr. Reed left her house and headed to the store for gas and cigarettes but because of the damaged tires, were forced to pull over on Mallory Street. While Mr. Reed and Ms. Smith worked on her vehicle, Mr. Montfort drove his vehicle past the location at least twice. As he drove buy for a third time, Mr. Reed pulled out a knife and punctured one of Mr. Montfort's tires. Mr. Montfort stopped and exited his vehicle to confront Mr. Reed. Mr. Reed immediately stabbed Mr. Montfort and continued to stab Mr. Montfort another 21 times.

The crime was captured on a nearby camera and showed that Mr. Montfort had stopped fighting after being stabbed repeatedly, but Mr. Reed pursued him and continued to stab the victim until he collapsed in the street. Ms. Smith assisted Mr. Montfort into his vehicle where he died on the scene.

Mr. Reed claimed he acted in self-defense, but the jury rejected his claim and found him guilty on all counts. Judge Sams sentenced Mr. Reed to life in prison.

District Attorney Marie Broder said, regarding the verdict, "...this was a very sad and avoidable situation. The evidence in this case showed a very brutal assault and murder of the victim. Nothing can justify the death Mr. Montfort suffered at the hands of this defendant. We hope this verdict will bring comfort and closure to Mr. Montfort's family."