STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — A Stone Mountain man received his sentence Thursday for the shooting death of his girlfriend in March 2023. Jacob Johnson, 29, will serve a minimum of 25 years in prison after reaching a plea agreement on a charge of malice murder before a DeKalb County judge.
The tragic incident, which took the life of 26-year-old Emily Thompson, occurred during an argument at the apartment they shared. According to the Dekalb County Prosecutor’s Office, Johnson shot Thompson once in the chest following a heated dispute. Emergency services were called to the scene, but Thompson succumbed to her injuries by the time help arrived.
“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that domestic disputes can escalate to,” said District Attorney Sherry Boston. “It’s a tragic situation that has left a family without their loved one and a young woman’s life cut dramatically short.”
Under the terms of the plea deal, Johnson waived his rights to a trial and the possibility of parole until at least 25 years have been served. Following the minimum term, his continued imprisonment will depend on a parole board’s assessment of his rehabilitation and behavior while in custody.
The sentence was agreed upon by both the defense and prosecution, who concluded that the resolution would spare Thompson’s family the pain of a protracted trial. “Today’s sentencing does not bring back Emily, but we hope it provides some measure of justice for her family,” Boston stated.
Witnesses at the scene told investigators that Johnson and Thompson had been arguing loudly before the sound of a gunshot was heard. Johnson called 911 himself, confessing to the shooting when authorities arrived. During the 911 call, which was played during the sentencing, Johnson could be heard admitting to the act in a distressed state.
The court heard impact statements from Thompson’s relatives, who described her as a vibrant and caring individual whose life was unfairly taken. “Emily was a light in everyone’s life, and this has extinguished that light in the most violent way,” said Ellen Thompson, Emily’s mother.
Family members and advocates for domestic violence prevention also spoke outside the courtroom, emphasizing the broader implications of the tragedy. “Emily’s death should serve as a wake-up call about the realities of domestic violence and the need for more protective measures and resources for those at risk,” noted a representative from a local domestic violence advocacy group.
Johnson’s attorney stated that his client is remorseful for his actions and accepted the plea deal “to atone for what he has done.” The defense highlighted Johnson’s troubled past and mental health issues, arguing these factors contributed to his actions on that fateful day.
The judge concluded the hearing by stressing the consequences of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing early warning signs before they escalate to tragedy. “Let this case be a lesson in the severity and irreversibility of such actions,” he said.
Johnson will be eligible for parole in 2048, at which point the parole board will review his case and determine if he poses a continuing threat to society or if he has shown genuine rehabilitation. In the meantime, the community and Emily Thompson’s family continue to heal from a loss that has deeply affected them all.