A Georgia man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after fatally shooting his wife’s ex-fiance during what should have been a peaceful child visitation exchange. Nicholas Michael Mimms, 37, received a life sentence following his February conviction for felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm in the death of 31-year-old Eduardo Gilberto Figueroa.
The tragic incident occurred on August 7, 2021, at a residence on Mohawk Trail in the Acworth area of Cherokee County. Mimms had volunteered to supervise Figueroa’s first court-approved meeting with the child he shared with Mimms’ wife. Figueroa had recently established his parental rights and was preparing to meet his son for the first time.
The stark contrast between the two men’s preparations for that day became a focal point during the trial. While Figueroa arrived carrying gifts for his child, including a stuffed animal, diapers, and snacks, Mimms came equipped with body armor and a loaded firearm. This disparity highlighted the vastly different intentions each man brought to what should have been a joyful family occasion.
According to prosecutors, Mimms was waiting outside the home when Figueroa arrived. Neither the child nor the mother were present at the scheduled meeting time. Upon realizing his son was not there, Figueroa began to leave the property. However, Mimms called him back, allegedly to talk. It was during this interaction that Mimms shot Figueroa four times, striking him in the side, back, and arm.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene around noon, they discovered Figueroa dead on the deck outside the home, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Mimms attempted to justify his actions by claiming self-defense, telling investigators that Figueroa was dangerous and had threatened him. However, prosecutors established that Figueroa was unarmed and posed no legitimate threat to Mimms at the time of the shooting.
The jury deliberated for approximately eight hours following a three-week trial before reaching their verdict. While they convicted Mimms of felony murder, aggravated assault, and firearm possession, they acquitted him of the malice murder charge.
Figueroa was a United States Army veteran who was pursuing his education at Kennesaw State University at the time of his death. He was enrolled in the Computer Science and Engineering Department with aspirations of becoming a video game developer. His family members testified during the trial about his excitement and anticipation for finally meeting his son.
The case has left a lasting impact on all involved, particularly on the child who will now grow up without the opportunity to know his biological father. The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office emphasized that this tragedy was entirely preventable and should never have occurred.
The sentencing brings closure to a case that has devastated multiple families and permanently altered the life of a young child who was denied the chance to develop a relationship with his father. Mimms will serve his life sentence in a Georgia state correctional facility.
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