MACON, GA – In what Superior Court Judge Connie Williford described as “a close call,” in a defendant’s claim of self-defense was ultimately denied, leading to a guilty plea and 15-year sentence yesterday in the Georgia Department of Corrections for violating First Offender probation in Bibb County.
The violation stems from an incident on September 16, 2023, in which Nicktarious Linardo Kinder fatally shot Jamon Deshon Jackson at a convenience store and gas station in Macon. Superior Court Judge David Mincey adjudicated Kinder guilty of his First Offender status and revoked his probation in full.
Prior to yesterday’s sentencing, Kinder had filed a motion for immunity from prosecution under Georgia’s self-defense statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-3-24.2. Judge Williford held an evidentiary hearing on the immunity
motion on September 18, 2025.
At the hearing, Kinder admitted he had a firearm on his person that night, knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a First Offender probationer, and carried the weapon for protection. According to testimony and evidence presented, Kinder shot and killed Jackson following a verbal exchange inside the store.
In her written order, Judge Williford acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, characterizing it as “a close call.” After reviewing surveillance video footage and witness testimony, the Court ultimately determined that Kinder failed to meet his burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that a reasonable person would have believed deadly force was necessary under the circumstances.
The Court’s order noted that while Jackson had his hand in his pocket during the encounter, he never demonstrably exhibited bodily actions indicative of the imminent use of deadly force. Video evidence
showed Jackson looking away from Kinder when Kinder drew his weapon and shot Jackson twice—once in the head and once in the torso. The entire confrontation lasted approximately 26 seconds.
Judge Williford’s ruling allowed the probation violation case to proceed, ultimately resulting in yesterday’s guilty plea and sentence. Kinder still faces pending charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and firearm-related offenses in connection with Jackson’s death.
“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,” said District Attorney Anita Howard. “While the defendant claimed self-defense, the evidence did not support immunity from prosecution. In addition, when you violate your probation, this office will hold you accountable for your violations.”
