Two Convicted of Murder in Separate Trials Following Acworth Robbery in Cobb County

Cobb District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. has announced the verdicts of two separate trials resulting in guilty convictions for Marcus Bass, 61, and Peterson Paris, 33, on charges of murder. Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill has sentenced Bass to life without parole plus five years for malice murder, two counts of felony murder, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. Paris awaits sentencing for felony murder, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

The incident took place on June 14, 2022, when the Acworth Police Department responded to a possible robbery at the Kwik E Mart. Store owner Abu Ahammed was found deceased from two gunshot wounds to the chest. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses implicated Paris and Bass in the crime.

Detective Victor Guevara obtained footage showing Paris entering the store shortly before the incident, while on a call with Bass. Paris met Bass outside, where Bass was seen armed and wearing a ski mask. Bass then entered the store, shot Ahammed twice, and fled empty-handed.

Police arrested Bass on June 17, 2022, after locating him driving the same vehicle seen in surveillance footage. A search of Bass’ vehicle yielded incriminating evidence, including a ski mask and handgun with his DNA. Paris was arrested on June 24th, 2022.

Bass was convicted on Oct. 6, 2023, and received a life sentence without parole plus five years. Paris was found guilty on March 1, 2024.

District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. stated, “The conviction of these individuals sends a resounding message: crime will not go unpunished in our community.”

Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Green, Jared Horowitz, and Paul Camarillo prosecuted the cases, while Charles Engleberger and Herman Maddox Kilgore represented Bass and Paris, respectively.