A Georgia groom has been arrested and charged in connection with the deadly shooting of his bride’s stepfather at their wedding, a case that has taken a dramatic turn months after the incident.
Authorities say 33-year-old Aaron White was arrested and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the death of 44-year-old Jason Maughon. The shooting happened during White’s wedding in Butts County in July 2024, according to local reports.
White was booked into the Butts County jail, where his bond was set at $100,000.
According to the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined that Maughon and another relative of the bride had been involved in a fight earlier in the day and arrived at the wedding in separate vehicles. Authorities say that shortly after arriving, the other relative began firing a gun.
During the chaos, Maughon allegedly charged toward White. Investigators say White then ran to his truck, retrieved a gun, and fired.
White later told local media that he acted out of fear for his life. He claimed Maughon had previously threatened him and said the confrontation left him believing he had no other option.
“The last time I seen him, he was threatening to cut me, so it’s a fear for my life,” White said. “It really makes you, as much as you don’t want to, have to defend yourself.”
The case has followed a winding legal path. In April 2025, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation presented evidence to a Butts County grand jury, which declined to indict White due to a lack of evidence, according to Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jonathan Adams.
However, Adams later said additional evidence — including a ballistics report — prompted him to bring the case before a second grand jury. That grand jury ultimately indicted White on felony murder charges.
Adams told reporters that while White may have had the right to defend himself, he did not believe deadly force was justified under the circumstances.
White’s defense attorney, Bret Dunn, strongly criticized the decision, calling it politically motivated and suggesting the prosecutor was acting out of personal ambition.
“Deliverance” movie come to mind
This is one cover I will not allow near my kids