ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) —A Dougherty County man convicted of killing another man at an Albany pool hall has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Prosecutors said Michael Nix shot Lorne Odom after Odom escorted him out of Break Time Pub & Billiards in October 2024. A jury convicted Nix last month of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and gun charges.

Family members from both sides addressed the court during sentencing.

Victim’s family demands justice

Odom’s father spoke for the first time, explaining how hard it has been to move forward.

“I feel those last 15 seconds of Lorne. I feel his pain… I wish you had done something different. You have ruined our lives,” Ron Odom said.

Odom’s sister, Natalie Freeman, also addressed Nix directly.

“You got a lot of praying to do. Because the other is between you and the Lord. I hope you enjoy those four walls that you’re going to see. Because I won’t be able to see my brother,” Freeman said.

Defendant’s family asks for mercy

Nix’s sister Alice acknowledged the pain caused, saying that Nix has worked on himself and leads Bible study at the jail.

“What happened on October 4th was a tragedy. It changed so many lives in this courtroom, including Mike’s. He’s not the same man that entered the facility in 2024. His mission now is to be the best person that he can be while trying to be in a light in such a dark place,” Alice said.

Defense attorney Del Pricilla asked for the lesser of the two sentences, life with the possibility of parole.

“I will only point out that Mike Nix is, 55, 56 years old. We do ask the court for that bit of mercy, for at least some hope for Mike,” Pricilla said.

Dougherty County Superior Court Judge Victoria Darrisaw sentenced Nix to life without the possibility of parole plus five years.

“Mr. Nix, today’s sentence is not delivered lightly. It reflects the gravity of what has been done and the lasting harm it has caused. At the same time, the court recognizes that no single moment defines the entirety of a human life. You’ll have years ahead to reflect, to take responsibility, and to decide what kind of person you will be within those limits. The bottom line sentence here is life without the possibility of parole plus five years,” Darrisaw said.

[ORIGINAL ARTICLE:] A man found guilty in a fatal 2024 Albany pool hall shooting is scheduled to be sentenced Friday, May 1, in the afternoon.

Michael Nix was found guilty on April 9 of malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm. The trial lasted just a few days, and the jury deliberated for less than an hour.

Nix faces life without the possibility of parole plus five years to be served consecutively. That means at minimum, he will spend the next 30 years in prison before the Department of Pardon and Paroles would consider releasing him.

Nix’s trial came after Albany Police responded to Break Time Pub & Billiards just after 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2024. Officers reportedly found Lorne Odom in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the back.

An incident report revealed that a physical altercation took place after Nix was escorted out of the business by Odom. The report also stated that Nix was seen pulling out a gun and chasing Odom before firing a shot and striking him in the lower back.

Nix was taken to jail that same night.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Oct. 6, 2024

WALB’s Zoe Wells is attending Friday’s sentencing. She will have more in our later newscasts.

MORE SWGA COURT COVERAGE:

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