Man in Body Armor Fatally Shoots Army Veteran During Child Visitation, Claims Self-Defense

A Georgia man has been found guilty of shooting and killing his wife’s ex-fiancé. On February 13, a Cherokee County jury convicted 37-year-old Nicholas Michael Mimms of the murder of Army veteran Eduardo Gilberto Figueroa.

The incident took place in August 2021 when Figueroa, 31, arrived at a home on Mohawk Trail to meet his son, Leo. He shared the child with his ex-fiancée, who had since married Mimms. Figueroa had gained parental rights to Leo shortly before the tragedy, and it was going to be his first court-approved visit.

Mimms, who had never met Figueroa before, was tasked with supervising the visitation. According to prosecutors, he arrived at the scene with a gun and wearing a bulletproof vest. When Figueroa arrived, Mimms shot him multiple times outside the home. Leo and his mother were not present at the scene at the time of the shooting.

First responders arrived and found Figueroa dead with gunshot wounds on a deck beside the home. Mimms was then taken into custody. The accused claimed that he had to act in self-defense as Figueroa had threatened him. Investigators said that the victim was unarmed and had only brought a stuffed toy for his child.

Mimms eventually underwent a three-week trial, during which 25 witnesses testified. Prosecutors and defense attorneys submitted 200 exhibits into evidence, after which Mimms was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

He also faced a malice murder charge, but the court found him not guilty. His sentencing will take place at a later date. After Figueroa was murdered, his family released an obituary revealing that he was proud to be a veteran of the United States Army.

Figueroa was passionate about video games and dreamed of becoming a game developer. He was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in game design and development at Kennesaw State University. He also worked as a tutor and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with students. His dreams remain unfulfilled as his life was cut short.

Figueroa’s mother shared a message in his obituary, expressing her love and grief for her son. She wrote, “I felt fortunate to be the mother of such a kind, beautiful human being and an amazing father. His laughter was contagious, and he was funny, smart, and a great friend. I will miss everything about him - our calls, the I love you, and everything in between.”

His sister also released a statement, saying Figueroa deeply loved his son and wanted to build his whole life around him. She said, “Eddie was thrilled to graduate in a few months so he could start a video game design company and build a life around his son, my nephew, Leo. We mourn the potential that he did not have the opportunity to fully realize, and I am so proud of who he was.”