Man pleads guilty to Newton bar shooting after mistrial

William Brown admits to voluntary manslaughter and firearm charges in 2024 killing of Kyle Fowler

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing from a handgun, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence and investigation of a deadly shooting.The violent incident at the Porterdale Bar and Grill has led to a guilty plea, though questions remain about the appropriate punishment.Porterdale Today

A man charged in a deadly shooting at a Porterdale, Georgia bar has pleaded guilty just days after a jury failed to reach a verdict in the case. William Brown entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the 2024 shooting death of Kyle Fowler.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in securing convictions for violent crimes, even with evidence, when juries are unable to reach unanimous decisions. The guilty plea brings some closure for the victim's family, though the sentence may be viewed as lenient by some.

The details

Investigators say Brown fatally shot Fowler during an incident at the Porterdale Bar and Grill on July 27, 2024. The case went to trial last week, with prosecutors arguing Brown's actions amounted to murder and were not justified. However, defense attorneys claimed Brown acted in self-defense or in defense of others. After two days of deliberations, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, leading the judge to declare a mistrial.

  • The shooting incident occurred on July 27, 2024.
  • The trial began on March 23, 2026.
  • The jury was unable to reach a verdict on March 27, 2026, leading to a mistrial.
  • On April 2, 2026, Brown entered a guilty plea.

The players

William Brown

The man charged with voluntary manslaughter and firearm possession in the 2024 shooting death of Kyle Fowler.

Kyle Fowler

The victim who was fatally shot at the Porterdale Bar and Grill in 2024.

Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who handled the case against William Brown.

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What’s next

The judge's sentencing decision may be appealed by either side, and the case could potentially be reviewed by higher courts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions for violent crimes, even with evidence, when juries are unable to reach unanimous decisions. The guilty plea and sentencing bring some closure for the victim's family, though the final outcome may be viewed as lenient by some.