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Man accused of killing Army sergeant near homeless shelter goes on trial

The trial of a man accused of killing a U.S. Army sergeant outside a homeless shelter in 2015 began Monday.

Soldier killed outside homeless shelter

ATLANTA, Ga – The trial of a man accused of killing a U.S. Army sergeant outside a Midtown homeless shelter in 2015 began Monday.

Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday in the trial of Harold Dodson, 21, accused of killing Ating Eminue, 24, on Aug. 30, 2015, near the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless.

Eminue was shot twice in his torso and once in his left arm. Police found his body near the shelter after responding to reports of a shooting. A bystander was shot in her left arm as well.

Police said Eminue was on his way to a nearby nightclub when he gave a homeless man a pair of shoes and some cash. According to police, Dodson criticized Eminue’s act of kindness. As Eminue approached the Dodson, witnesses said Dodson shot and killed Eminue.

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Dodson is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, participation in street gang activity, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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Eminue Eminue and Laura Busby with shoes they've collected so far.

According to the Army Times, Eminue was a sergeant with the Georgia Army National Guard who served three tours in Afghanistan. He most recently served with 877th Engineer Company, based out of Augusta, and made deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010, 2013 and 2014. He served previously with 848th Engineer Company. 

The shelter is located at the intersection of Peachtree and Pine streets in Midtown.

If convicted, Dodson could receive a sentence of life plus 60 years in prison.
 

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