In a courtroom on Wednesday, former DeKalb County police officer Russell Mathis was given a sentence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of a Stone Mountain man. An Alford plea was entered by Mathis, acknowledging the sufficiency of evidence for conviction while maintaining innocence. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney L. Johnson sentenced the 32-year-old to a term of 10 years, with two years to be served under house arrest and the balance on probation.
The incident in question took place on November 4, 2022, when Mathis, along with another officer, responded to a report concerning a stolen car located in the driveway of a residence on Autumn Crest Court. After entering the home, Mathis encountered Marando Salmon, 37, and erroneously shot him, mistaking the victim's cell phone for a thrown knife. Salmon was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As a part of the sentence, Mathis is now mandated to also pay over $4,700 in restitution to Salmon's family, said to cover funeral and burial expenses, according to CBS News Atlanta.
Furthermore, as part of the plea agreement, Mathis has agreed to permanently surrender his Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council certification. This development means Mathis will not be eligible to serve as a law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia henceforth. The decision comes in the wake of grave repercussions from a confrontation escalated tragically beyond mere suspicion of theft.
In a statement obtained by CBS News Atlanta, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston spoke on the difficulties of prosecuting law enforcement officers. "Prosecuting a law enforcement officer for wrongdoing and securing a conviction is incredibly difficult and we hope this plea gives the Salmon family a measure of justice and peace." Boston noted the importance to the family that Mathis be held accountable on the "highest charge, Involuntary Manslaughter." By agreeing to the plea, the former officer has taken some measure of accountability for his actions. To further ensure reformation, Mathis is required to serve 500 hours of community service as part of his sentencing conditions.
Mathis’s conviction will be sealed after he completes his sentence under the First Offender Act. The plea deal was reached after months of review.
