DeKalb County, GA — James Elderidge Scott, a 49-year-old man from Valdosta, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 96 years, following his conviction for a deadly shooting at South DeKalb Mall in 2022. The sentencing was handed down by Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams on Friday, after a jury found Scott guilty on multiple charges.
What Happened
The conviction stems from a shooting that occurred inside a restaurant and bar at South DeKalb Mall on June 10, 2022. During the incident, four people were shot, including 48-year-old Daletavious McGuire, who was tragically killed. The shooting reportedly began after an argument between Scott and another party attendee, following an incident where Scott allegedly brushed against the fiancée of one of the individuals in the group.
Witnesses described Scott as pulling a gun and shooting the man he had argued with before firing randomly throughout the restaurant. Surveillance footage showed Scott wearing a neon vest and a straw hat during the attack.
What Happens Next
After the shooting, Scott was seen leaving the scene with a pitcher of beer and walking into the parking lot, where several vehicles were found to have been hit by gunfire. The next day, a security guard found the neon vest and straw hat, which were sent for DNA testing. The investigation led to a tip linking Scott to the shooting, and he was arrested on June 28, 2022. His DNA was found to match the evidence recovered from the scene.
What Was the Sentence?
Scott was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, and providing false information to police. With the sentencing of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 96 additional years, Scott will spend the rest of his life behind bars for his role in the deadly shooting.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
