Macon, Georgia. On November 16, 2023, Michael Maxwell, age 39, pled guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in Bibb Superior Court for the September 23, 2021, shooting death of Antonio Mason. On the night in question Maxwell had called law enforcement to his hotel residence. When the deputies arrived, Maxwell alleged people were trying to kill him and requested a ride to his sister’s home, where she lived with Mason. Maxwell was sleeping on the sofa in the house when Mason returned from work. When Mason attempted to come inside, Maxwell pushed the door closed on him. Mason again tried to enter, and Maxwell, thinking he had been followed by a potential killer, fired one shot through the door which struck Mason in the chest. When Maxwell discovered his mistake, he dropped the weapon and left the area. He was later apprehended by the authorities. After his plea he was sentenced to 25 years, with the first 17 to be served in prison.
“My heart goes out to these families for their losses in this fatal set of circumstances. It is my prayer that any individuals who from time to time might suffer from certain mental health issues will be able to seek and to receive proper medical attention when that assistance is needed and before a tragedy strikes.” – District Attorney Anita Howard
The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office particularly thanks the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in the investigation of this incident.
