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Murder trial set to begin for suspect in fatal 2021 shooting of Atlanta security guard

Posted on by Sweet

ATLANTA – The trial of a man accused of killing a downtown Atlanta nightclub security guard is set to begin Monday morning after several delays.

Damon Wilson is accused of killing Ty Ross, 29, outside the Encore Hookah bar on Luckie Street on February 2, 2021. Investigators said Wilson grabbed his gun and shot Ross after he was kicked out of the bar that night.

The trial is expected to begin around 9:30 a.m. Monday with jury selection.

RELATED: Murder victim’s mother calls for justice 3 years after Encore nightclub shooting

Damon Wilson (Atlanta Police Department)

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Damon Wilson (Atlanta Police Department)

Ty Ross’ fiancee, Aaliyah Strong, told FOX 5 she’s been waiting years to face Ross’ accused killer in court.

“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 the deadly shooting, Strong successfully pushed the city to permanently close the salon, highlighting several violent incidents that occurred there.

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

Ty Ross

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Strong also founded 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.”

Ty Ross and Aaliyah Strong

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Ty Ross and Aaliyah Strong

Wilson faces charges of murder, battery and aggravated assault. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Earlier this year, he was offered a plea deal, but that deal ultimately fell through.

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.”

Wilson’s lawyers filed another motion earlier last week asking for an additional 30 to 60 days. A judge has not ruled on this request.