Macon man convicted of murder for deadly shooting outside Macon nightclub
A former card dealer at a Macon nightclub has been convicted of murder after shooting and killing a man during a dispute outside the business, District Attorney Anita Howard announced Thursday.
Andrew Mullis, 23, was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possessing a gun during the commission of a felony after he shot 42-year-old security guard Dedrick Lamont Bulls outside the Full House Tavern Nightclub. Mullis had been asked to leave the establishment after having too much to drink, and the two were in an argument about boxing outside the club, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
“Bulls was discussing boxing with his nephew when Mullis intervened, claiming his brother was also a boxer,” the district attorney’s office said. “After being dismissed, Mullis called his brother, a known acquaintance of Bulls, and tried to engage him in a conversation about boxing skills. Bulls approached Mullis and reached for the phone, intending to speak to the brother.
“Mullis abruptly snatched his phone away and drew a firearm. Bulls, seemingly confused by the display of the weapon, struck the phone out of Mullis’s hand. Mullis immediately raised the firearm and shot Bulls in the face. Bulls died from his injuries five days later.”
Mullis attempted to argue that the shooting was justifiable because he feared for his life. In an immunity hearing that occurred prior to the trial, he said he was in fear because of threats and bullying from tavern staff, according to court records. During the trial, he said he felt threatened in the moment when he shot Bulls.
“However, evidence presented at trial contradicted both claims,” the district attorney’s office said. “Trial witnesses confirmed that neither Bulls nor anyone else at the nightclub was aggressive toward Mullis.”
Assistant Deputy Chief Jeremy B. Johnson and Assistant Deputy Chief Alveta Watkins prosecuted the case for the district attorney’s office.
Mullis has been sentenced to serve life in prison plus five years, the district attorney’s office said.
“Mr. Mullis spent hours socializing peacefully with the victim, only to pull a gun and shoot him in the face over a trivial dispute. This senseless act of violence took a father, a friend, and a valued member of our community. The jury’s verdict and this life sentence reflect the gravity of his crime and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable,” Howard said in a statement.