Otis Blakes has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of shooting dead a parking services employee during a confrontation over a vehicle boot in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Blakes, 34, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. The sentence also includes an additional five years to be served. ([atlantanewsfirst.com](https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/09/29/man-sentenced-life-shooting-killing-parking-services-employee-dekalb-da-says/))
Kirwin Hinds, 47, an employee of Empire Parking Services, was at an apartment complex in the 2300 block of Peachwood Circle shortly after 7am on 19 July 2025. He had been sent to remove a boot from a vehicle parked in a disabled space.
Prosecutors said Christopher Blakes approached Hinds and demanded that he remove the device. When Hinds asked for payment of the removal fee, the pair became involved in a physical struggle, during which Christopher Blakes was knocked to the ground.
Otis Blakes then approached and shot Hinds in the head, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Hinds was unarmed and died at the scene. ([atlantanewsfirst.com](https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/09/29/man-sentenced-life-shooting-killing-parking-services-employee-dekalb-da-says/))
Body-worn camera footage from Hinds captured the confrontation and formed part of the evidence in the case.
Police arrested both men at the scene. Christopher Blakes, 30, continues to face misdemeanor allegations of simple battery and disorderly conduct connected to the incident.
