In a tragic turn of events on January 12, 2023, Kali Winston, a 28-year-old male, lost his life in an unincorporated area of Decatur, Georgia, following a dispute with his roommate. The incident unfolded at their residence on Meadowlark Drive.
The conflict began when Winston's roommate, Zakariya Wildman, 25, started shooting targets in their backyard. This act concerned neighbors, prompting Winston to confront Wildman. The verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a physical fight between the two men. Other roommates intervened and separated them.
Following the altercation, Wildman, who sustained a black eye, went to his room and retrieved a gun he had purchased earlier that day. He then returned to the living room and, in the presence of Winston's girlfriend, shot him in the chest. Winston succumbed to his injuries.
Wildman fled the scene on foot but was apprehended by DeKalb County Police a short time later while walking in the neighborhood. He was arrested without incident and charged with murder. Although he claimed self-defense, he also admitted that the physical fight had concluded before he shot Winston. Subsequently, a jury found Zakariya Wildman guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. A DeKalb County judge sentenced him to life in prison for the murder of his roommate.
