Man Avoids Prison After Guilty Plea in Domestic Shooting of Girlfriend and Daughter

MACON, Georgia – Just after a jury was selected on February 11, 2026, Darius McKenzie pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with a domestic violence incident involving his then-girlfriend and her daughter.

The charges stem from the evening of December 11, 2022. Prosecutors said McKenzie arrived home intoxicated and agitated while his girlfriend and her daughter were going about their normal routine. As the two attempted to leave in their vehicle, McKenzie allegedly drove up, blocked their car, and fired a gun into the air. He then left the scene, only to return moments later and fire directly at the victims. He was intoxicated during the incident.

After jury selection was completed, McKenzie entered a blind plea, meaning there was no negotiated agreement with prosecutors regarding sentencing. The State asked the court to impose a 15-year sentence with the first eight years to be served in prison.

Judge Connie Williford sentenced McKenzie to 15 years with eight years to serve, but suspended the active prison time. As a result, he will not serve time behind bars.

“A jury was chosen and we were ready to go to trial,” said District Attorney Anita Howard. “We are committed to pursuing domestic violence cases regardless of the obstacles because every act of violence deserves to be answered. We recognize that victims of domestic violence often face extraordinary pressure, and we will always stand beside them. The cycle of violence does not break on its own. It requires accountability, and this Office will continue to do what we can within the law.”

The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office said it remains committed to prosecuting domestic violence cases, even when victims are reluctant to move forward, emphasizing that accountability is key to preventing future harm and protecting families.