ATLANTA — For the first time, we’re seeing the chaotic moments that unfolded inside a popular restaurant when a gunman opened fire, shooting someone inside.
Channel 2 Action News obtained new surveillance video from inside JCT Kitchen & Bar in West Midtown from a shooting that happened inside the restaurant in 2017.
[READ: Robber fired until gun jammed inside crowded restaurant, police say]
The video played during Thursday’s hearing showed Thaddeus Todd firing at Bruno Bafico inside the restaurant as Bafico crawled around a wall to get to safety. Ultimately, Bafico was shot twice, including one in his torso.
Before going into the restaurant, police said Todd approached Bafico and his wife in the parking lot and demanded his watch and started. Bafico then ran into the restaurant where police said Todd continued firing.
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From another angle of the surveillance video, diners at the restaurant can be seen running out the door once hearing the shots being fired.
"This man shot at my husband multiple times. And my husband ran inside, and he just kept shooting and shooting," Bafico's wife, Leidy Delgado, told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne. "My husband is not the same. Mentally, physically -- he's just not the same."
[READ: Police: Gunman chased victim, fired at least twice inside crowded restaurant]
In court Thursday, Todd's lawyers said he was ready to accept responsibility for the shooting because he believes it’s in his best interest.
Todd was facing a 31-count indictment that included charges ranging from criminal attempt to commit
murder, armed robbery, participation in criminal street gang activity and possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer.
Deputy Fulton County District Attorney Cara Convery had recommended a sentence of 40 years if Todd pleaded guilty. After some back-and-forth Thursday, Todd ultimately ended up pleading guilty to all 31 counts.
He will face 40 years in prison with the possibility of parole sometime after the first 20 years.
[READ: Man arrested in shooting at popular Atlanta restaurant suspected in other high-end crimes]
“I don’t think that anybody that saw this video would think the person standing over a man and shooting at him in a crowded restaurant should ever walk free again,” Fulton Superior Court Judge Craig Schwall said in front of his courtroom Thursday. “I give out mercy every day and I have compassion, but this is just not one of those cases that I think is appropriate for mercy or compassion."
Schwall said the citizens of Atlanta and Fulton County are tired of this kind of conduct.
Cox Media Group
