Oglethorpe Mall shooting: A year later, 6 men await trial in murder case

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - One year after a shootout inside Oglethorpe Mall left one woman dead, six defendants are awaiting trial on felony murder, gun and gang-related charges.

Jonathan Jones, Royce Haynes, Theron Robbins Jr., Dahmil Johnson, Franklin James and Aujawan Hymon Jr. face charges in connection with the July 2, 2025, shooting.

Police said two groups got into a shootout inside the mall. Some of the defendants were shot and injured during the incident.

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Victim died from heart complications

Tina Smith died following heart complications after running from the shooting. Her death resulted in felony murder charges being added against all six men.

The six defendants are named in a 71-count indictment that includes felony murder charges, gun charges and gang-related charges. All six entered not guilty pleas and requested a trial.

Key legal issues in the case

One defense attorney told WTOC the shootout began over chain snatching. Court records show the state may call a gang expert during trial. One of the central issues before the court is whether criminal gang-related evidence outside of the indictment will be allowed.

A ballistics report is being completed by the ATF. Some defendants asked to inspect the pacemaker and defibrillator used in an attempt to save Smith’s life at the mall.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since  this tragic incident struck our community at the Oglethorpe Mall.  As your district attorney I promised to prosecute this crime to the fullest extent of the law.  Here, one year later, I can say the trial is on schedule according to the court calendar and I have dedicated my most experienced prosecutors to this case and we are ready to carry it through to the end.”

DA Shalena Jones

Separately, Hymon pleaded guilty to having a switch on his gun inside the mall, an illegal device that converted the weapon to fully automatic fire.

READ MORE: Suspect in Oglethorpe Mall shooting pleads guilty to illegal possession of machine gun

Trial is tentatively set for September 21 before the Chief Judge of Superior Court.