ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A Dougherty County jury has found Michael Nix guilty on all counts on Thursday, April 9, in connection with a deadly 2024 pool hall shooting.

Nix was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

In October 2024, prosecutors said Nix shot Lorne Odom following a confrontation outside Break time Billiards & Pub. The dispute began when Odom escorted Nix out after the manager asked him to leave.

In April 2026, a jury heard the case and deliberated for less than an hour before returning guilty verdicts.

Odom’s brother, Ryan Odom, said the verdict brought some relief to the family.

’Who does that’

Ryan Odom says his brother was the kind of person who always showed up for people and hearing details during the trial was diffcult.

“Knowing that my brother was just laying on the ground, and just gets punched over and over again, like who does that,” Ryan Odom said.

Ryan Odom said the two grew up sharing a love of cars, and even though they were only a year apart, Lorne still took that “big brother” role seriously. He said Lorne also had a big heart, something he believes led him to escort Nix out that night.

“He’s always wanting to be the one in charge. Say, hey, we’ll handle things, everything’s going to be alright, I’m here. He’s walking tall, that’s the way he was. And Lorne, I can see him now saying, Mike, just go home. You’re not well; you’ve obviously had way too much to drink, and you’ve got a lot of stuff that you’re obviously dealing with. Go home,” Ryan Odom said.

‘It means a lot’

Steven Buffi was setting up for Monroe High School’s alumni weekend the day after the verdict. Buffi said Odom was like his big brother, even making the trip just to help him pick up his motorcycle.

“At the time, you know, it didn’t mean that much to me as it does now. But to know that I had that memory, it means a lot,” Buffi said.

Friends and family said they were holding on to memories as they got the verdict, realizing that’s all they have now.

“I guess you don’t prepare for anything other than that. So, there’s still that emptiness knowing that Lorne still isn’t here, but at least that weight is lifted knowing that justice was served,” Odom said.

Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date. Nix faces life without the possibility of parole, plus five years to be served consecutively. Family and friends said they will be there to give victim impact statements to support Lorne, just like he would have done for them.

WALB will provide updates as this case develops. Stay with us.

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