Two men have been convicted in the murder of a transgender woman in Stone Mountain, as announced by the DeKalb County District Attorney's office. The accused, JaQuan Brooks, 25, and Davonte Fore, 26, faced a jury that determined their guilt in the death of Skyler Gilmore in 2021. The convictions included charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and firearm offenses. While Brooks has been taken into custody, Fore has evaded capture and is actively being sought by authorities, reported FOX 5 Atlanta.
As detailed by DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston, both men were found guilty on Oct. 4. Fore, who was released on bond earlier this year, failed to return to court and has since been on the run. Gilmore, found with a fatal gunshot wound to her torso in June 2021, is thought to have been targeted after her association with another gang member came to light. It was during the trial that Fore took the opportunity to flee and consequently is now considered a fugitive. The sentencing for both men will be determined in the coming weeks, as provided by Atlanta News First.
A closer look into the case reveals a more harrowing narrative. Gilmore's friend, who was on the phone with her just moments before the shooting, rushed to the scene after Gilmore informed her of being shot. The victim, before her untimely demise, was engaged in survival sex, police disclosed after interviewing Gilmore's neighbor and friend. This form of prostitution often involves exchanging sex for basic necessities such as food and shelter, a grave testament to Gilmore's struggle, police commented.
Investigative efforts led to the pairing of surveillance footage and cell phone data to incriminate Brooks and Fore. The white Nissan Rogue they were spotted in entering the apartment complex became a critical piece of evidence, as well as the cell phone data that helped identify Fore's contact with Gilmore before the fatal incident. "The woman who called 911 was a friend and neighbor of Gilmore’s and spoke with police on the scene. She said she was on the phone with Gilmore just before the shooting, and Gilmore hung up because she was getting a call from the front gate," according to a statement obtained by Atlanta News First. Detectives eventually learned the murder was ordered by the gang after discovering Gilmore's involvement with another gang member.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is urging anyone with information on Fore’s whereabouts to immediately get in touch by calling 404-298-8402.
