Nicholas Michael Mimms was sentenced to life in prison for shooting his wife's ex-fiancé during a supervised child visitation in Acworth, Georgia. The incident occurred in 2021, with Mimms convicted last month of felony murder and other charges. Prosecutors highlighted the stark contrast in the men's preparations for the meeting.
A jury convicted 37-year-old Nicholas Michael Mimms in February of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the death of 31-year-old Eduardo 'Eddie' Gilberto Figueroa. Jurors acquitted him of malice murder after a three-week trial and eight hours of deliberation. The Cherokee County District Attorney's Office announced the life sentence on Friday. Prosecutors said Mimms did not know Figueroa, who had recently gained parental rights to a child he shared with Mimms' wife. Mimms was set to supervise Figueroa's first court-approved visit on August 7, 2021, at a home on Mohawk Trail in Cherokee County's Acworth area. Officers found Figueroa dead on a deck with multiple gunshot wounds around noon that day. Mimms claimed self-defense, alleging Figueroa was 'dangerous' and had threatened him. However, prosecutors noted Figueroa arrived unarmed with a stuffed animal, diapers, and snacks for the child, while Mimms wore body armor and carried a loaded gun. After seeing the child was absent and starting to leave, Figueroa was called back by Mimms, who then shot him four times in the side, back, and arm. Assistant District Attorney Megan S. Hertel remarked, 'These were two men with very different plans about how this day should go. Eduardo Figueroa arrived with love, excitement, and gifts... The defendant brought a bulletproof vest and a loaded gun. This was a tragedy.' District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway added, 'The heartbreak this family has endured is unimaginable... This sentence ensures the defendant is held accountable for taking a father from his child.' Figueroa, a U.S. Army veteran and Kennesaw State University student in computer science and engineering, aspired to become a video game developer.