A gang member has been found guilty in the killing of an Atlanta bar owner just before New Year's Eve 2013.
Johnathan Kirkland, 26, was found guilty Tuesday in the murder of Amin Bouchelaghem, owner of Déjà vu Sports Bar and Lounge, according to a release from the Fulton County District Attorney’s office.
Bouchelaghem was opening his bar, which was on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, with three friends when he was shot three times by two men. A second victim was shot in the back.
Kirkland and his gang were offended when they were denied entry into the club, where Bouchelaghem worked security before owning it, according to the release.
“Our community must work together to curtail gang violence and we must work together now,” Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said. “These are well-known national gangs killing people in our community.”
Kirkland intended on stealing the $9,000 cash Bouchelaghem had to use for bar renovations, according to the release,
Kirkland was also found guilty of participation in criminal street gang activity, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Brandon Kirkland, the defendant’s brother, was acquitted of all charges.
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