MACON, Ga. — A Macon man charged with murdering a security guard appeared in Bibb Superior Court Friday morning for a motion hearing.
Andrew Mullis turned himself in after killing 42-year-old Dedrick Bulls in December 2022. He said it was in self-defense.
"Came at me in an aggressive manner…I got scared and let off one shot," Mullis said.
Mullis' defense asked for immunity from criminal prosecution saying Mullis' actions were justified. Mullis admitted he had a beer that night even though he was 19 years old at the time. He also admitted he ran away after the shooting.
"Picked up my phone, got inside my truck, and drove off," Mullis said.
Mullis testified that three men surrounded him including Bulls. He also said they were all armed, so he got out his gun but didn't use it right away.
Superior Court Judge Jeffery Monroe questioned why Mullis stayed there.
"Why didn't he at that point get in and leave," Monroe questioned.
The defense argued that Mullis worked at Full House Tavern and had to wait to lock up. Surveillance video showed Mullis standing in front of the business with three men.
"This particular instance, there is no body language that indicates that this was an intense situation," Monroe said.
Judge Monroe heard testimony from Mullis and a sergeant from the Bibb County Sheriff's Office. After reviewing the evidence, Judge Monroe denied the motion for immunity.
"The court doesn't find what you did as reasonable in this regard certainly doesn't qualify as self defense. The court is going to deny your motion," Monroe said.
Friends and family of Bulls were overwhelmed to hear the judge deny Mullis immunity. Bulls' girlfriend, Katie Mayo, said she wants people to honor and respect bulls for the man he was.
"Trying to fill the void and the hole of the man he was is impossible. There will never be another person like 'D'," Mayo said.
Judge Monroe granted Mullis a $100,000 bond with restrictions. He's barred from Bibb County unless it's to deal with legal issues tied to this case, he must wear an ankle bracelet, reside in a surrounding county and not make contact with people that will testify during trial.
Judge Monroe said the case won't be going to trial in the upcoming June term.