Last suspect in Oglethorpe Mall shooting pleads not guilty

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The final suspect charged in the July shootout at Oglethorpe Mall pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges including felony murder.

Franklin James Jr., 17, appeared before Chief Judge John Morse and denied charges related to the shooting that occurred just before July 4th. The incident resulted in the death of Tina Smith, who collapsed outside the mall after running from the gunfire and later died from heart complications at a hospital.

Six suspects charged in mall shooting

All six young men charged in connection with the shootout have now entered not guilty pleas. James was the last to appear in court after being arrested nearly a month after the incident.

Savannah police identified James through surveillance video from the mall, noting he had a distinctive walk or limp. Officers initially worked with only school photos of the Richmond Hill student during their search.

Shooting details emerge

Smith was not shot during the incident but experienced heart issues during the chaos that led to her death. Two other men were wounded in the shooting.

Defense attorneys have said the shooting occurred between two groups over a chain being snatched from one of the men’s necks. They maintain the incident was not gang-related.

Prosecutors dispute that characterization. The indictment in James’ case alleges he intended to maintain and increase his status in a gang called “1100” by shooting at Theron Robbins Jr. and Dahmil Johnson.

James faces felony murder charges, unlawful criminal gang activity charges, and several gun charges because he is under 18.

All six suspects are scheduled to return to court on February 4, 2025.