DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A man is spending the rest of his life in prison after being accused of killing a parking services employee over a car boot.

Otis Blakes, 34, was found guilty of the murder of Kirwin Hinds, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced.

In 2025, officials say Hinds put a boot on Blakes’ brother’s car that was illegally parked in a handicap parking spot at an apartment in the 2300 block of Peachwood Circle in Atlanta.

“Hinds, an employee of Empire Parking Services, was at the apartment complex to remove a boot from a vehicle illegally parked in a handicap accessible parking space,” DeKalb County officials said.

A physical altercation ensued and led to Blakes opening fire. He is accused of fatally shooting Hinds in his head. Officials say Hinds did not have a weapon on him.

Otis was sentenced to life in prison plus five years to serve.

Officials say Blakes’ brother also faces two misdemeanor charges.