After he admitted he shot and killed another man at Underground Atlanta, an Atlanta man was sentenced to 35 years, including 30 to serve behind bars, Monday in a Fulton County courtroom.
Brandon Barnes’ voice was barely above a whisper when he was asked how he pleaded, Channel 2 Action News reported.
“Guilty,” he said.
“Is that because you are, in fact, guilty?” Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Pat Dutcher asked.
“Yes,” Barnes said.
Barnes, 27, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony for the Aug. 12, 2013, death of 22-year-old Mychal Fair.
Prosecutors said Fair’s friends got into an altercation with another group at Underground, and Fair tried to break it up. The two groups left and witnesses say that’s when Barnes returned. Fair was at Underground to buy new work clothes.
Two witnesses, including one of Fair’s two friends, previously identified Barnes as the shooter, telling police that he was seen with a handgun immediately before and during the shooting. Barnes fired at least six shots, striking Fair several times in the torso, police said.
After Barnes was sentenced, Fair’s mother told the court her son’s death has left a huge hole in her heart.
“Whenever I drive past Underground Atlanta, I break down and cry,” Elizabeth Flynn said.
Barnes had been held without bond in the Fulton County jail since his arrest Aug. 13, 2013, records showed.
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