A Georgia groom, Aaron White, has been indicted for felony murder and aggravated assault in the shooting death of his bride’s stepfather, Jason Maughon, following their July 2024 wedding. The case has caused a rare public rift between Butts County Sheriff Gary Long, who views the shooting as the “clearest case of self-defense” in 30 years, and District Attorney Jonathan Adams, who argues that the use of deadly force was not legally justified.

JACKSON, GA (3-minute read) — The July 2024 wedding of Aaron and Kailagh White was intended to be a celebration, but it ended in a fatal confrontation that has now led to a felony murder indictment against the groom. Aaron White, 33, was arrested and charged this month after a second grand jury reversed a previous decision not to prosecute him for the death of 44-year-old Jason Maughon, his new bride’s stepfather.

The incident occurred in the early hours following the ceremony. According to investigators, a dispute erupted when the bride asked an inebriated relative to leave. The situation escalated into a physical brawl involving White and Maughon. Witnesses and the sheriff’s office report that after the initial fight, Maughon and the relative returned. The relative allegedly fired a gun, striking White in the hand, while Maughon—who White claimed threatened to “cut” him—charged at the groom. ^{White then reached into his truck, retrieved his own firearm, and fatally shot Maughon.}

A Rare Public Clash Between Law and Prosecution

The indictment has sparked an extraordinary public disagreement between Butts County Sheriff Gary Long and Towaliga District Attorney Jonathan Adams. Sheriff Long, citing an independent investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), has called the shooting the “clearest case of self-defense” he has seen in his 30-year career. He expressed concern that the DA’s decision to pursue murder charges despite a previous grand jury’s refusal to indict will make citizens hesitant to defend themselves in life-or-death situations.

DA Adams, however, contends that while White may have had a right to defend himself, the transition to deadly force was a bridge too far. ^{Adams cited new ballistics reports and a personal site visit as reasons for presenting the case to a second grand jury. Defense attorneys have countered that the move is “politically motivated,” noting the DA’s current campaign for a judgeship.}

As of late January 2026, Aaron White has posted a $100,000 bond and remains out of jail pending trial.

Safety Tip: The “reasonable belief” standard is the cornerstone of self-defense law. To legally use deadly force, you must reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to yourself or others. When carrying a defensive tool, understanding the local “proportionality” standards is just as important as knowing how to use the tool itself.