February 14, 2023
Brother of Beloved Atlanta Night Club Owner Rails Against Suspected Killer Who Was Close Friend — Offers $100K Reward
A popular Atlanta club owner was gunned down in front of the venue he owned, and the killer is still at large.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the police have identified a suspect in the murder of Michael Gidewon, who co-owned Republic Lounge. Authorities from the Atlanta Police Department are looking for Jonathan David Soto, who knew the co-owner of the venue.
His heartbroken brother, Alex Gideon announced he is offering his own reward for the capture of the person who killed Michael over a week ago. It was also revealed that the club is shutting its doors after the tragic incident.
After Crime Stoppers Atlanta placed a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Soto, Alex stated that he is offering substantially more. He went to his Instagram profile and posted that he is offering a “$100,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest of my brother’s killer.”
Gidewon also slammed Soto, via the Instagram post and asked why he would do such a thing when they’ve known each other for over 20 years.
“To My Brothers Killer
Jonathan David aka “Sodo”,
“How did this happen? Why did this happen? I trusted you. Anybody that know me knows I keep a small circle but I let you in. I trusted you with my family. You’ve been around me for over 20 years. Always took care of you. You would get drunk and you get kicked out of the club but we worked it out because I saw you as family. I would always find ways that you can eat with me. Traveling and partying and celebrating life together just for you to take my little brothers life. What the f**k happened Sodo?”
He also stated that Soto “executed” Michael in front of the Republic Lounge in front of people, and “walked home like it was nothing.” Commenting that Soto had “so much hate” in his heart that he even stomped him on the head as his brother’s body lay on the ground.
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The shooting took place Saturday morning, Feb. 4 outside the Atlanta nightclub, which is located along Brady Avenue NW in West Midtown. When police officers arrived, Michael was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
The funeral is scheduled for today.
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