Former DeKalb County officer sentenced to house arrest, probation for killing Stone Mountain man

Prosecutors say the ex-DeKalb County officer shot and killed a man after entering his home while on-duty.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A former DeKalb County police officer, Russell Mathis, will spend two years on house arrest and more on probation for the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Marando Salmon inside Salmon's Stone Mountain home in November 2022. Mathis entered an Alford plea to charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct, maintaining his innocence while acknowledging the prosecution's evidence would likely lead to a conviction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting law enforcement officers for wrongdoing, even in cases where an officer's actions result in a civilian death. The plea deal and sentencing under the First Offender Act also raise questions about accountability and justice for the victim's family.

The details

According to prosecutors, Mathis and another officer responded to a call about a stolen car found parked in the driveway of Salmon's home. The officers reportedly knocked on the door, which swung open, allowing them to enter. Mathis found Salmon sitting on his bed on the second floor and opened fire, claiming he believed Salmon had thrown a knife at him, which turned out to be a cell phone. Salmon was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • On November 4, 2022, Mathis and another officer responded to a call about a stolen car found parked in the driveway of Salmon's home.
  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Mathis entered an Alford plea to charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.

The players

Russell Mathis

A 32-year-old former DeKalb County police officer who shot and killed Marando Salmon inside Salmon's home.

Marando Salmon

A 37-year-old Stone Mountain man who was shot and killed by Mathis inside his own home.

Sherry Boston

The DeKalb County District Attorney who stated that prosecuting a law enforcement officer for wrongdoing and securing a conviction is incredibly difficult, but that the plea deal gives Salmon's family a measure of justice and peace.

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What they’re saying

“My team and I have stayed in close contact with Mr. Salmon's family since this case began. They shared with us how important it was to them that Defendant Mathis was held accountable on the highest charge, Involuntary Manslaughter. By entering a guilty plea, both the Salmon family and our office feel the former officer has taken some accountability for his actions.”

— Sherry Boston, DeKalb County District Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge allowed Mathis to be sentenced under the First Offender Act, meaning that his conviction will be sealed if he completes his sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of holding law enforcement officers accountable for use of force incidents, even when their actions result in a civilian death. The plea deal and sentencing under the First Offender Act raise concerns about the pursuit of true justice and accountability for the victim's family.