The man found guilty of opening fire inside the Gates Pub more than a year ago will serve 25-years-to-life in prison for second degree murder. But he’ll spend at least 40 years in prison before he’s eligible for parole.
David Alligood was found guilty of shooting Ricky Jones to death in the crowded bar. He will also serve 15-years-to life on two weapons possession charges. Those sentences will be served at the same time.
Jones’ mother, Jessie Jones-Simmons, left court glad the process is finished. She says her son was a father and a good man who didn’t deserve what happened to him.
The 32-year-old Alligood apologized to the court but said he acted in self defense. Members of the Jones and Alligood families got into a tussle outside the Hall of Justice, forcing deputies and police to break it up. At least three people were arrested.
Alligood was convicted by a jury after only a few hours of deliberation. Prosecutors say the bar’s multiple surveillance cameras clearly showed what happened between Alligood and Jones the night of the shooting. Jones was hit six times. Six other people in the bar were injured.