Authorities in Decatur, Georgia, are actively searching for a man who absconded during his trial but was still found guilty of the fatal shooting of a transgender woman. The individual, Davonte Fore, along with his accomplice Jaquan Brooks, faced a jury that delivered its verdict on October 4 concerning the death of Skyler Gilmore on June 4, 2021, at her residence in a Stone Mountain apartment complex.
The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office revealed that despite the prosecution’s objections, Superior Court Judge Nora Polk granted bond to Fore, 26, in February. Although he was present for the trial’s initial phase, Fore fled before the proceedings concluded, prompting a bench warrant for his arrest.
Both Fore and Brooks, aged 25, were found guilty of multiple charges, including malice murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony. An investigator with the District Attorney’s Office expressed the frustrations of their office in securing bonds, noting that the ultimate decision to grant them lies beyond their control.
Brooks remains in custody while the hunt for Fore continues. Investigators uncovered that the pair were affiliated with a local gang that ordered the killing of Gilmore, 25, once it was revealed she was dating another gang member. Evidence, including phone records and surveillance footage, established Fore and Brooks’ involvement in the crime.
The investigator emphasized the urgency of apprehending Fore, labeling him a threat to society and stressing the importance of the victim’s family facing him in court during his sentencing.
Skyler Gilmore’s father, Chauncey, expressed his gratitude for the jury’s decision, stating that he would feel an increased sense of peace once Fore is captured.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about Fore’s location to reach out to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. As for the sentencing, no dates have been set for either defendant, though Judge Polk has indicated that a hearing is forthcoming in the weeks ahead.