DeKalb County Man Convicted of Murder in Fatal Roommate Shooting

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Thursday the conviction of Zakariya Wildman, 25, following a jury trial for charges including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during The Commission of a Felony. The case stemmed from the death of Kali Winston, 28, who was fatally shot during a dispute over a gun at a residence on Meadowlark Drive in unincorporated Decatur.

According to the investigation by the DeKalb County Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting on January 12, 2023. Witnesses stated that earlier in the day, Wildman had purchased a gun and later began shooting targets in the backyard, alarming neighbors. Winston confronted Wildman about the gunfire, leading to a physical altercation that was initially broken up by other roommates.

After the altercation was halted, Wildman retrieved his firearm, and despite the confrontation having ended, shot Winston in the chest in front of witnesses, including Winston’s girlfriend. Wildman fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward by law enforcement.

During the trial, Wildman claimed self-defense despite the altercation having ceased before the shooting. Senior Judge Alan C. Harvey presided over the proceedings and sentenced Wildman to life in prison.

The prosecution was handled by Senior Assistant District Attorney Helen Pott and Assistant District Attorney Miriam Broussard from the Homicide and Gangs Unit, with support from District Attorney Investigator Curtis Averhart and Victim Advocate Kaysha Albritton. DeKalb County Police Department Detective Muller led the initial investigation into the case.