Security Guard Killed in Shooting at Acworth Bar; Suspect Daniel Di Vonne Parsons Arrested

ACWORTH, Ga. — A man is facing murder charges after a deadly shooting at a newly opened bar early Friday morning, police said.

Officers with the Acworth Police Department responded to the Saddle Bar on Cowan Road around 2:42 a.m. on March 7 after reports of a shooting.

Police said officers arrived within minutes and found a man with a gunshot wound. They provided emergency aid until crews from Cobb County Fire Department and Metro EMS arrived. The victim was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the bar said the victim was working security that night. Management said the guard intervened after seeing a man assault a woman. According to the statement, he protected the woman and helped calm the situation but was shot in the back a short time later.

Authorities identified the suspect as Daniel Di Vonne Parsons, 25, of Douglasville. Police said Parsons was located walking nearby on Baker Road shortly after the shooting and was taken into custody without incident.

Parsons is charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery and felony murder. He was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond.

“Our entire Saddlebar team is grieving the loss of a brave individual who put himself in harm’s way to protect someone else. His courage and selflessness will not be forgotten,” the bar said in a statement. “Violence of this nature is heartbreaking and unacceptable in Acworth and Cobb County, and we understand the concern this incident brings to our patrons and neighbors.”

Police have not released the victim’s identity as they work to notify family members.

Saddle Bar, located on Cowan Road near Interstate 75, recently opened in Acworth and held its grand opening on Feb. 20. The country-western venue features live music, line dancing and late-night DJs, and also operates as a daytime dining spot.

Management said the bar will remain closed through the weekend. The business also plans to make a donation to support the victim’s family during this difficult time.