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Trial Set for Sept. 21, 2026 in Oglethorpe Mall Shooting Case

The date follows weeks of hearings over evidence and expert witnesses in the gang-linked case.

Overview

  • The Chatham County court scheduled a multi-week jury trial before Judge John Morse for Sept. 21, 2026.
  • Six defendants each face 71 counts, including firearm charges, street gang activity, aggravated assault, and felony murder tied to Olislene “Tina” Smith’s cardiac-arrest death ruled a homicide.
  • Defense teams asked for Daubert hearings to test the reliability of the state’s gang expert and the medical examiner before any jury hears them.
  • Prosecutors said they are operating an open-file policy, turned over more evidence, and asked defense lawyers to disclose any alibi material or risk limits at trial.
  • Aujawan T. Hymon separately pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a Glock converted to a machine gun and now awaits sentencing.