Guilty Verdict for Shooting Death Outside Atlanta Strip Club

Argument over Money Lead to Murder

Atlanta- A Fulton County jury has returned a guilty verdict in the case against 30-year old Kelly Hickson for the death of Jamon Cromwell four years ago. Hickson was convicted Thursday of Voluntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The incident happened on September 12, 2004 outside the Queen City Strip Club in the West End Atlanta area. Authorities say Cromwell, 28, and his friends were leaving the club when the defendant approached him and the two began arguing over money according to witnesses. The defendant then pulled out a gun and shot Cromwell in the stomach. He died a month later from his injuries.

The defendant claimed he shot in self-defense though the victim was not armed. A MARTA police officer on patrol in the area that night witnessed the shooting. He tried unsuccessfully to capture Kelly Hickson, also known as "Tech". He fled the scene on foot but was later identified in a photo line-up and arrested.

Superior Court Judge Henry Newkirk presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Pete Johnson. Senior Investigator Steve Barresi lead the DA's investigation. The lead detectives were Investigators K. Hill and A.B. Calhoun of the Atlanta Police Department.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov