Former DeKalb officer pleads to manslaughter in deadly shooting

Russell Mathis sentenced to 10 years with 2 years on house arrest for 2022 killing of Marando Salmon

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A former DeKalb County police officer, Russell Mathis, has entered an Alford plea to charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Marando Salmon inside Salmon's home. Mathis was sentenced to 10 years, with 2 years to be served on house arrest and the remaining balance on probation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting law enforcement officers for wrongdoing, even in cases where an unarmed civilian is killed. The plea deal and sentencing reflect the difficulties prosecutors face in securing convictions against police, though the Salmon family expressed that they felt the former officer was held accountable to some degree.

The details

According to investigators, Mathis and another officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle parked in the driveway of Salmon's home in Stone Mountain. The officers entered the home, and Mathis opened the door to a second-floor bedroom where he encountered Salmon sitting on his bed. Within seconds, Mathis fired his weapon, fatally shooting Salmon. Authorities say Salmon had thrown a cell phone at Mathis, which the officer later said he believed was a knife, though investigators determined Salmon was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

  • On November 4, 2022, Mathis fatally shot Marando Salmon inside Salmon's home.
  • On February 12, 2026, Mathis entered an Alford plea and was sentenced.

The players

Russell Mathis

A 32-year-old former DeKalb County police officer who entered an Alford plea to charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct in the 2022 shooting death of Marando Salmon.

Marando Salmon

A 37-year-old Stone Mountain man who was fatally shot by Mathis inside his home in 2022.

Sherry Boston

The DeKalb County District Attorney who announced Mathis' plea deal and sentencing.

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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 (wsbtv.com)

“Prosecuting a law enforcement officer for wrongdoing and securing a conviction is incredibly difficult and we hope this plea gives the Salmon family a measure of justice and peace.”

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Russell Mathis out on bail during the remainder of his sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of holding law enforcement accountable for use of force incidents, even when an unarmed civilian is killed. The plea deal and sentencing reflect the difficulties prosecutors face, though the Salmon family expressed some satisfaction that the former officer was held somewhat accountable.