A DeKalb County Grand Jury has reindicted former police officer Russell Mathis in connection with the shooting death of Marando Salmon inside a Stone Mountain home. The indictment, issued on September 16, 2025, charges Mathis, 32, of Tucker, with Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Conduct for the incident that occurred on November 4, 2022.
Authorities report that Mathis and another officer responded to a call regarding a stolen car parked at a residence on Autumn Crest Court in Stone Mountain. Upon arrival, they knocked on the door of the house, which then swung open. The officers entered and proceeded to clear the residence.
During their search, Mathis opened the door to a second-floor bedroom where he encountered Salmon sitting on his bed in a dark room. Within seconds, Mathis fired his weapon after Salmon threw a cell phone at him; Mathis stated he believed it was a knife. Salmon was unarmed when shot. A holstered gun was later found in the bedroom.
Paramedics transported Salmon to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Mathis and another officer were previously indicted in February 2024. However, in April 2025, defense attorneys requested dismissal over concerns about how evidence had been presented to the Grand Jury. The District Attorney’s Office decided to nolle prosequi those charges as a precaution.
After further review of the case facts, prosecutors determined they would focus prosecution solely on Mathis, who discharged his firearm during the incident. No charges will be pursued against the other officer involved.
The case is now assigned to DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney L. Johnson. Arraignment for Mathis is scheduled for November 19, 2025.
"After thoroughly re-examining the facts of the case, the trial team decided to focus the prosecution of the case on Mathis, who fired the fatal shots. The DA’s Office will not pursue charges against the other officer." (Statement from DA’s Office)
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