Jury begins hearing case against George Humphreys in McIntosh County murder trial

MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A jury will decide the fate of George Humphreys, who is accused of killing his friend, Tony Ferguson. Opening statements began this week in McIntosh County, about two years after Ferguson’s death.

Jury seated, charges outlined

The jury is made up of eight women and four men, with two alternates.

Humphreys, a convicted felon, is facing malice murder and felony murder charges, along with multiple gun charges connected to his prior felony conviction.

Ferguson’s family attended the proceedings in support, with many showing emotion as the case got underway, according to the report.

What prosecutors and the defense say happened

Prosecutors say Humphreys shot and killed Ferguson at a party on Georgia Highway 99 near Palmer Court in December 2024.

During opening statements, prosecutors and the defense said the victim and the suspect were friends before the shooting.

Prosecutors say Ferguson’s brother rushed to his side as he lay dying and asked who shot him. Prosecutors say Ferguson named Humphreys.

The defense said every version of testimony in the case will be a little different. Some witnesses describe an altercation, while others say they saw no argument and did not hear shots fired.

In their words

The prosecutor told the jury: “This is a tragic, tragic loss of Tony Ferguson. But what’s most tragic about it is that his own friend did this to him. And I want you to keep in mind when you’re listening to the testimony of our witnesses, this isn’t just the victim’s family and friends. These are also the defendant’s family and friends that you’re hearing from.”

The defense attorney said: “He was talking, he was answering questions, and he never told a single other person in that crowd, a single deputy, paramedic, who shot him.”

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue through the rest of the week and likely wrap up Friday.