Medical examiner testifies Oglethorpe Mall shooting death was homicide; Gang expert testifies

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Motion hearings continued Tuesday in the case against six suspects accused in a mall shooting, with testimony from a medical examiner and a gang expert.

The hearings are intended to help a judge rule on motions over whether certain evidence will be admitted at trial.

Medical examiner testifies first

The medical examiner testified first, following questions from lead prosecutor and Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Jones.

Jones questioned the medical examiner about the cause and manner of death for Tina Smith, the alleged victim in the case, who died from heart complications after running from the shooting.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman hospitalized from heart complications after Oglethorpe Mall shooting passes away

The medical examiner said, “the manner of death in this case, can be nothing other than homicide.”

Smith reportedly ran outside the mall and collapsed while trying to escape gunfire inside. The medical examiner testified Smith had known heart issues prior to the incident and had a pacemaker.

The medical examiner said the manner of death was ruled homicide because of the “contribution of stress immediately before her death” due to “the actions of another person.”

During the hearing, one of the suspect’s mothers had to be escorted out of the courtroom by multiple deputies.

Defense cross-examines medical examiner

Defense attorneys cross-examined the medical examiner, challenging the validity of the study used to form the opinion on the manner of death.

Jones pushed back, saying the method the medical examiner used is still widely used and applicable in this case.

During testimony, Jones asked the medical examiner, “With your opinion, you said there’s a direct causal link between these events and the death, right?” The medical examiner replied yes.

The medical examiner’s testimony cannot be aired because she is a potential witness at trial.

Gang expert called to stand

The evidence claimed which of the six suspects are in which gangs.

The State’s gang expert spoke about multiple different gangs, but spoke about the allegations in the indictment that 4 of the 6 are in the 1100 gang allegedly, and 2 of the 6 are in the OTH gang allegedly.

He went through the evidence on each of the 6 and why he believes they’re in the gang, and any family member gang ties he alleged.

All of the suspects’ families were in attendance while this happened except for James’ who was removed prior in the day.

Following that testimony, all 6 attorneys cross examined the witness into Tuesday night.

Following that final arguments on these motions were made by all 6 attorneys as to why they say the medical examiner’s testimony and the gang expert’s testimony should be kept out of the approaching trial.

At the end of the night, Lead prosecutor Shalena Jones made the final argument as to why both testimonies/persons should be allowed to speak at the trial in front of jurors

The judge has not rendered a decision yet, but says he will as soon as possible.

The night concluded around 10:40 p.m. at Superior Court.