Two men convicted of murder in Cobb County for a fatal shooting during a robbery at Acworth's Kwik E Mart. Marcus Bass, 61, sentenced to life without parole plus five years. Peterson Paris, 33, awaits sentencing. Bass convicted of malice murder, felony murder, attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm possession during a felony. Paris faces charges including felony murder, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated assault, according to the Cobb County's official news release.
On a grim June day in 2022, the Acworth community was rocked by the death of Abu Ahammed, the owner of the Kwik E Mart, who was discovered by police with two gunshot wounds to his chest. The District Attorney's Office described the crime scene where scattered merchandise and a cash register tipped over Ahammed's feet painted a picture of a robbery gone fatally wrong. Subsequent investigations by the Acworth Police led by Detective Victor Guevara, revealed through surveillance that Bass, donned with a ski mask, brandished a firearm before shooting the victim twice in the chest. Paris's involvement was confirmed, as he was spotted on phone at the scene and later identified in a vehicle poised for a quick getaway, as per the information obtained from the adjacent Splash of Class Car Wash footage.
The intensive police work came to fruition when several residents at the HomeTown Lodge positively identified both Bass and Paris from the surveillance tapes. Following the identification, police were able to arrest Bass first, with a trove of incriminating evidence including a ski mask and a handgun with Bass's DNA, found in the same vehicle seen during the crime. Paris was apprehended shortly thereafter. During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Green, Jared Horowitz, and Paul Camarillo, secured the convictions. Charles Engleberger and Herman Maddox Kilgore provided legal representation for Bass and Paris, respectively.
"The conviction of these individuals sends a resounding message: crime will not go unpunished in our community," Cobb District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. proclaimed, asserting the community's stand against violence and crime. With Paris's sentencing date pending, the final chapter of this case inches to a close, reflecting the law's long but relentless reach. A sense of vindication emanates from Broady's office, reinforced by the support of local law enforcement and the community, both of whom were instrumental in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
