THOMASVILLE — A Thomas County Superior Court judge has ruled that Derylmaize Jackson will receive a life sentence without possibility of parole for the July 2019 murder of Tanzania Rashawn Cooper of Bainbridge.

Jackson also received five years consecutively for a count of aggravated assault and a count for possession of a firearm during a felony. 

Jackson was found guilty last week after a three-day trial.

Lt. Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander, said he is grateful for all the help received from the different agencies on the case.

“We’re happy with the sentencing,” Knifer said. ‘The Thomasville Police Department would like to extend our thanks to the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that came in and assisted us when we investigated this crime.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the victim and all parties involved in this investigation.”