A man accused of killing a popular Atlanta nightclub owner in 2023 is now behind bars after spending more than three years on the run, police said.
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Jonathan Soto was arrested Wednesday in Jacksonville, Florida, according to Atlanta police.
Soto is accused of killing nightclub owner Mike Gidewon outside his club, Compound, in northwest Atlanta in February 2023.
Gidewon was well known in Atlanta’s nightlife community. Radio personality Frank Ski, who held charity events at Gidewon’s clubs over the years, remembered him as someone who made an impact on the community.
“I remember the night that it happened,” Ski said. “I think the next day the city was in shock because everybody knew Mike.”
According to police, witnesses said Soto was intoxicated and became angry after Gidewon kicked him out of the club. Investigators say Soto then shot Gidewon and fled.
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Soto was placed on Atlanta’s Most Wanted list and remained a fugitive for about three and a half years before his arrest in Florida.
Ski said he initially thought Soto may have left the country.
“When I saw yesterday it pop up, I was just like wow — he’s still around,” Ski said.
Ski said Gidewon’s death affected more than just his family.
“He took away something not only from the family, but he took away something from our community,” Ski said.
Soto now faces prosecution in connection with Gidewon’s death.
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