Gang member convicted of killing transgender woman in Stone Mountain while on the run

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – The hunt is now on for a convicted murderer who is on the run after prosecutors say he was released on bail during his trial.

26-year-old Davonte Fore and 25-year-old Jaquan Brooks were found guilty earlier this month of murdering Skyler Gilmore, a transgender woman, in 2021. Brooks is in custody, but Fore is not.

“I hope he gets caught because this is a bad guy,” said Chauncey Gilmore, Skyler’s father.

Skyler’s father is grateful for the verdict.

“I have peace and I’ll have a lot more of that if they catch this guy too,” he said.

The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office says Fore was granted bail in February by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Nora Polk, despite her objections. Prosecutors claim Fore absconded mid-trial, but jurors still found him and his partner guilty earlier this month.

“For this reason, our office works hard to deny bail in cases like this, but it is not our decision to grant bail,” said Jacques Spencer, lead investigator in the Homicide and Gang Crimes Unit of the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.

According to investigators, Skyler, whose legal name was Chase Gilmore, was shot to death in her Stone Mountain apartment.

Investigators used phone records and surveillance video to link Fore and Brooks to the crime. Prosecutors say the two were members of a local gang who ordered them to murder her after she was discovered sleeping with another member of the gang.

“Our focus is on getting him into custody. “We believe he is a danger to society and the victim’s family deserves to face him in court if he is convicted of his actions,” Spencer said.

Skyler’s father hopes an arrest will be made soon so the two can be sentenced in the coming weeks.

“Personally, I don’t think he should have been out on $25,000 bail for a murder case, but he was, and I understand that, but I hope people get him, and get him.” “Quickly.” Chauncey said.

Fore was found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges, meaning he faces the rest of his life in prison.

Prosecutors say he has ties to California.

Investigators fear he’s desperate to stay free, so don’t approach him. If you know where he is, call 404-298-8132.