The murder trial for the fatal 2021 shooting of an Atlanta security guard is set to begin

ATLANTA – The trial of a man accused of killing a security guard at a downtown Atlanta nightclub is scheduled to begin Monday morning after several delays.

Damon Wilson is accused of killing 29-year-old Ty Ross outside Encore Hookah Bar on Luckie Street on February 2, 2021. Investigators said Wilson grabbed his gun and shot Ross after he was thrown out of the bar that night.

The trial is scheduled to begin around 9:30 a.m. Monday with jury selection.

RELATED: Three years after the shooting at the Encore nightclub, the murder victim’s mother pleads for justice

Damon Wilson (Atlanta Police Department)

Ty Ross’ fiancée, Aaliyah Strong, told FOX 5 that she has been waiting for years to bring Ross’ accused killer to justice.

“We’ve had countless delays in this case,” she said. “I’m just ready to finish it. To reach the finish line.”

In the years since the fatal shooting, Strong successfully persuaded the city to permanently close the lounge, citing several violent incidents at the venue.

“It was never about Encore,” Strong said. “But I wanted to bring attention to nightlife safety, just overall safety in Atlanta.”

Strong also founded A Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support for survivors of gun violence and victims’ families. The organization has already helped more than 650 people in the Atlanta area and donated $40,000 in direct assistance, she said.

“Ty is still here,” Strong said. “I think his energy and his spirit is what kept me on this journey through it all.”

Despite her strength, Strong acknowledges the emotional toll the trial will take.

“It will be triggering,” she said. “I’m finally going to get the chance to see the video, and there’s a lot of things I’m probably not prepared for.”

Ty Ross and Aaliyah Strong

Charges against Wilson include murder, assault and aggravated assault. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

He was offered a deal earlier this year, but it ultimately fell through.

Strong is determined to bravely face any outcome.

“I will go in with my head held high no matter what the outcome,” she said. “And I know I did everything I could to get through this.”

Wilson’s lawyers filed another motion early last week asking for another 30 to 60 day delay. A judge has not ruled on this request.