CANTON, Ga. — A man was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the fatal shooting of another man during a child visitation that turned deadly. Nicholas Michael Mimms, 37, was found guilty of multiple charges, including felony murder, after a jury rejected his claims of self-defense.
The incident occurred on August 7, 2021, at a residence in Cherokee County, where Eduardo Figueroa, 31, had arrived for an approved visit with his son. This day was significant for Figueroa, who was eager to meet his child for the first time. Contrastingly, Mimms, who was appointed by the child’s mother to supervise the visit, came prepared with a bulletproof vest and a loaded firearm.
Prosecutors outlined the stark difference in intentions between the two men. While Figueroa arrived with excited anticipation, bringing gifts for his son, Mimms’s approach was steeped in preparation for a confrontation. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage indicated that Figueroa was unarmed when he was shot four times shortly after arriving. Law enforcement found him deceased on the deck outside the home, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Mimms claimed he acted in self-defense, asserting he felt threatened by Figueroa. However, evidence presented during the trial contradicted his assertions. Assistant District Attorney Megan S. Hertel emphasized that Figueroa posed no threat when he was shot. The prosecution argued that the circumstances surrounding the shooting portrayed not a defensive act, but an unnecessary escalation of a situation meant for father-son bonding.
The trial lasted about three weeks, with the jury deliberating for approximately eight hours before reaching their verdict on February 13. They found Mimms guilty of felony murder, along with related charges, while acquitting him of malice murder—indicating they did not believe he acted with malicious intent. The judge’s ruling on April 15 included an additional five years in prison and a no-contact order with Figueroa’s family.
After the shooting, Figueroa had been recognized not just as a father but as a dedicated individual. His family described him as a loyal and loving parent, deeply invested in his child’s life. Figueroa was a U.S. Army veteran and had aspirations in game design, indicating a promising future ahead of him before the tragedy unfolded.
District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway reflected on the profound impact of the case, stating that it transformed a day intended for joy into irrevocable tragedy. She commented on the important role of accountability in such cases, emphasizing the lasting effects this incident will have on Figueroa’s family.
The investigation was led by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, with careful consideration given to the evidence and testimonies presented. The prosecution painted a clear narrative of preparation and intention, contrasting Figueroa’s innocence with Mimms’s armed readiness.
Nicholas Mimms is now serving his life sentence at a state facility. The court’s decision ensures that he will remain separated from Figueroa’s family as they continue to cope with their loss, highlighting the ongoing struggle many families face in the aftermath of violence. The case remains closed at the trial level unless appealed by the defense.