Trial begins for man accused of killing downtown Atlanta nightclub attendant

ATLANTA – The long-awaited trial of the man accused of killing a nightclub security guard in 2021 is expected to move forward Monday, barring further delays.

Damon Wilson is accused of killing 29-year-old Ty Ross on Luckie Street in downtown Atlanta nearly three years ago outside the club where Ross worked as a security guard.

Ty Ross’ fiancée Aaliyah Strong has been waiting for this moment since February 2, 2021, the day of the incident at Encore Hookah Lounge on Luckie Street.

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Damon Wilson (Atlanta Police Department)

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Damon Wilson (Atlanta Police Department)

The Encore Hookah Lounge became a focal point for Strong, who successfully lobbied the city to close it following several violent incidents at the location.
But she emphasized its broader goal of raising awareness about nightlife safety.

“It was never about Encore,” Strong said. “But I wanted to bring attention to safety around nightlife, just safety in Atlanta as a whole.”

The trial faced numerous delays, and earlier this year a proposed plea deal for Wilson fell apart.

Strong is eager for the case to move forward.

“We have had countless delays in this matter,” she said. “I’m just ready to go all the way. To reach the finish line.”

In the years following Ross’ death, Strong turned his grief into action by founding A Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief, a nonprofit organization providing resources and support to gun violence survivors and victims’ families . The organization has already helped more than 650 people in metro Atlanta, donating $40,000 in direct aid, she said.

“Ty’s still here,” Strong said. “I think his energy and his spirit through all of this has kept me going on this journey.”

Despite his strength, Strong acknowledges the emotional toll the trial will have.

“It’s going to be triggering,” she said. “I’ll finally get to see the video, and a lot of things I’m probably not prepared for yet.”

Wilson faces charges including felony murder and aggravated assault. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Strong is determined to face whatever the outcome with courage.

“I’m going to go in with my head held high, whatever the outcome,” she said. “And know that I did everything I could to make this happen until the end.”

The trial is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, although Wilson’s attorneys filed another motion earlier this week seeking a further delay of 30 to 60 days.