Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Fatal Shooting of Security Guard Outside Atlanta Hookah Bar

Damon Wilson, accused in the February 2022 fatal shooting of security guard Tyshon Ross, pleaded guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office announced. Judge Belinda Edwards reluctantly accepted the plea deal, which reduced Wilson’s murder charge to voluntary manslaughter, sentencing him to 25 years in prison.

The incident occurred at Encore Hookah and Bistro in Atlanta. Prosecutors said Wilson, 32, argued with Ross, 28, over a $20 bottle of liquor Wilson tried to bring into the establishment. After being removed from the bar, Wilson punched Ross in the face and shot him multiple times.

The city of Atlanta sued the hookah bar in March 2022, citing over 171 police calls to the location since February 2020. The lawsuit led Encore to vacate the property and cease operations in April 2022.

Following the sentencing, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis issued a statement expressing her condolences to Ross’ family. “My heart aches for Tyshon Ross’ parents and loved ones,” Willis said. “While this guilty plea cannot undo this senseless act of violence, I am thankful the case reached a resolution everyone could accept, sparing the family the ordeal of a trial and allowing them the opportunity to heal.”