Macon Man Sentenced to 15 Years After Self-Defense Claim Denied in Fatal 2023 Shooting

MACON, Georgia – In a case described by Superior Court Judge Connie Williford as “a close call,” Nicktarious Linardo Kinder, 26, has been sentenced to 15 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections after his claim of self-defense was denied in a Bibb County First Offender probation violation case.

The underlying incident occurred on September 16, 2023, when Kinder fatally shot Jamon Deshon Jackson at a convenience store and gas station in Macon. At the time, Kinder was on First Offender probation and prohibited from possessing a firearm. Despite this restriction, Kinder carried a weapon that night, claiming it was for personal protection.

Prior to sentencing, Kinder filed a motion seeking immunity under Georgia’s self-defense statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-3-24.2. An evidentiary hearing was held on September 18, 2025, during which Kinder argued that deadly force was necessary during a verbal exchange with Jackson inside the store. Surveillance footage and witness testimony, however, showed that the entire encounter lasted approximately 26 seconds, during which Jackson never demonstrated an imminent threat of deadly force. Video evidence indicated Jackson had his hand in his pocket and looked away as Kinder drew his weapon and shot him twice—once in the head and once in the torso.

Judge Williford ultimately determined that Kinder failed to meet the burden of proving that a reasonable person would have believed deadly force was necessary under the circumstances. With his immunity claim denied, Kinder pled guilty to the probation violation, resulting in the 15-year sentence.

District Attorney Anita Howard emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “This was a tragic loss of life that resulted from an unlawful possession of a firearm by someone who knew he was prohibited from carrying one. While the defendant claimed self-defense, the evidence did not support immunity from prosecution. When you violate your probation, this office will hold you accountable for your violations.”

Kinder still faces pending charges related to the incident, including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and firearm-related offenses.