Judge denies self-defense claim in Macon fatal shooting, defendant gets 15 years

Judge says evidence didn’t support immunity in the 2023 shooting of Jamon Jackson at a Macon convenience store.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Superior Court judge denied a Macon man’s claim that he acted in self-defense during a 2023 fatal shooting, a decision that led to a guilty plea and a 15-year prison sentence for violating First Offender probation.

According to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the case involves the September 16, 2023 shooting death of Jamon Deshon Jackson at a convenience store and gas station in Macon. Prosecutors said Nicktarious Linardo Kinder shot Jackson after a verbal exchange inside the store. Judge David Mincey revoked Kinder’s First Offender probation and adjudicated him guilty.

Before sentencing, Kinder sought immunity from prosecution under Georgia’s self-defense statute. Judge Connie Williford held an evidentiary hearing on September 18 to determine whether the claim met legal standards.

According to testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, Kinder admitted he had a firearm that night despite knowing he was prohibited from possessing one as a First Offender probationer. Prosecutors said surveillance video showed Kinder shooting Jackson twice after the verbal encounter, and that Jackson never displayed actions indicating he was about to use deadly force.

In her written ruling, Judge Williford called the issue “a close call,” but found Kinder did not prove that a reasonable person would have believed deadly force was necessary. The DA’s office said the video showed Jackson look away from Kinder before he was shot. The confrontation lasted about 26 seconds.

With immunity denied, Kinder pleaded guilty to the probation violation and received a 15-year sentence in the Georgia Department of Corrections. He still faces separate charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm 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,” District Attorney Anita Howard said. “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.”