Georgia Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Fatal Shooting at Ethiopian Grocery Store in Lilburn

A 64-year-old Georgia man will spend the remainder of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to a fatal April 2024 shooting inside an Ethiopian grocery store in Lilburn, according to reporting by Law & Crime based on official statements from local law enforcement and prosecutors. On Friday, Teodros Mulat Shibeshi entered a guilty plea to one count of malice murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Following the plea entry, Shibeshi was swiftly sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 25 years, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office. The deadly incident occurred on April 27, 2024, at Tana Food Mart on Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn, a municipality located approximately 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. Official reports indicate that the victim, 57-year-old Tigist Lulesegud, and her 65-year-old brother, Abebe D.

Yeshetela, were working inside the market when Shibeshi entered the building. According to details provided by the Lilburn Police Department, an argument broke out among the three individuals inside the store prior to the outbreak of violence. During the dispute, Shibeshi drew a handgun and opened fire on Lulesegud, who was his former sister-in-law. Authorities stated that Shibeshi repeatedly shot Lulesegud and continued firing even after she had fallen to the floor.

Lulesegud suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. During the shooting, Lulesegud's brother, Yeshetela, was also struck by gunfire in the leg. Witnesses at the scene reported that Shibeshi made a statement indicating an intent to end his own life, exclaiming, 'I am taking myself out now,' before discharging the firearm toward himself. However, Shibeshi survived the self-inflicted shot. Emergency medical responders transported both Shibeshi and Yeshetela to a regional hospital for medical treatment following the incident.

By entering a guilty plea to all listed counts, Shibeshi avoided an upcoming trial, prosecutors noted. In a statement released following the proceeding, Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson expressed hope that the resolution would bring a sense of justice to Lulesegud's surviving family members and loved ones following the tragedy. County officials confirmed that the court's sentence ensures Shibeshi will remain incarcerated without the opportunity for future release.