Mother Challenges Self‑Defense Ruling After 21‑Year‑Old Found Shot During Traffic Stop

Kenya Mitchell is pushing back after Douglas County prosecutors closed the investigation into the death of her eldest son, 21‑year‑old Malachi Mitchell, ruling the shooting an act of self‑defense.

What Happened

On Jan. 29, deputies stopped a vehicle outside Atlanta for erratic driving and discovered Malachi fatally shot in the passenger seat. Authorities later said the two men in the car had met to complete a firearm sale, that a struggle occurred, and that the driver — the alleged buyer — produced a second gun and shot Malachi. The driver was stopped minutes later and released after investigators concluded the shooting was justified.

Family Disputes Official Account

Malachi’s mother, 39‑year‑old Kenya Mitchell, rejects that conclusion. She says the driver admitted to police that he killed her son and has obtained the district attorney’s interview and evidence files, police body camera footage and interrogation recordings as she pursues accountability.

“How can it not consume me?” Mitchell said. “I try to rest my mind. My mind is hard to rest.”

On Sept. 3, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office closed the criminal investigation, citing available facts, evidence and law. In its statement, DA Dalia Racine said the office sympathizes with the family but stands by its decision, noting statements from a relative that Malachi had allegedly bragged about being “a scammer” and needing money.

Private Autopsy And Civil Action

Mitchell commissioned an independent autopsy, which concluded that the physical evidence does not support the claim that the driver fired four shots in self‑defense toward the passenger. Relying on that finding, Mitchell initially retained an attorney and later filed a pro se civil complaint to seek further review and a potential civil adjudication.

As part of her civil case, she says she has obtained investigative files and recordings, and she is publicizing the materials to press for greater scrutiny. Records also show the driver is on bond in an unrelated criminal matter.

Emotional Toll

Mitchell describes a heavy emotional burden on her family. She said the approaching holidays and what would have been Malachi’s 22nd birthday on Dec. 15 have been especially painful for his siblings and grandparents. Despite pressure from friends and family to move on, she says she will continue to seek answers and accountability.

Where things stand: The criminal investigation is closed as self‑defense; the family’s private autopsy disputes that conclusion; a pro se civil complaint is pending as Mitchell seeks further review.