Remaining mall shooting suspects face judge, youngest suspect makes public debut
Share this @internewscast.com

The last two suspects accused in the Oglethorpe Mall shooting incident, 20-year-old Aujawan Hymon and 16-year-old Dahmil Johnson, made a court appearance on Wednesday in Savannah, Ga.

Johnson, noted as the youngest of the six individuals purportedly involved in the event, appeared publicly as a suspect for the first time. His attorney, Jonah Pine, requested this public appearance, expressing a preference for his client’s face to be shown.

Dahmil Johnson, 16
16-year-old Dahmil Johnson

The theme of Wednesday’s hearing was the same as the last week’s involving the four other suspects: probable cause.

The defense attorneys for Johnson and Hymon contended that there isn’t sufficient evidence connecting the shooting to Tina Smith’s death, who reportedly suffered heart complications while escaping the gunfire, according to a medical examiner’s report.

Pine referenced witness testimonies stating, “We heard that people trampled over her, that three or four people trampled over her,” explaining, “She crawled into a bush; was foaming at the mouth somewhere between six to 30 hours later, with incomplete information currently available.”

Based on this, motions were made to dismiss the felony murder charges for both suspects.

“We can’t even explain in simple terms how this particular victim died,” remarked Hymon’s attorney, Kaitlyn Walker. “What exactly was this cardiac event? The court sits here today without definitive answers to this question.”

20-year-old Aujawan Hymon

Both defense teams called the charges an “overreach” by The State.

“Not a single one of these six children is guilty of murder, and the fact is The State has done a massive overreach,” said Pine.

The motions were struck down by Judge Crystal Harmon.

Judge Harmon dismissed identical motions the previous week filed by defense teams representing Franklin James, Johnathan Jones, Royce Haynes, and Theron Robbins. Her decision was based on her conclusion that the evidence provided shows probable cause justifying the charges presented.

“What the defense would like the court to do is find that it is not foreseeable that when two groups exchange in a shootout in broad daylight in the Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah, Georgia where multiple people are there, that it would not be foreseeable that someone would suffer a cardiac incident from the stress of that event,” said Chatham County Assistant District Attorney Lyle Burnham.

The defense also raised questions about what led to the gunfire, citing Royce Haynes may be seen on video trying to snatch a gold chain from Theron Robbins.

“Are there any witnesses who have suggested this was an attempted robbery?” Pine asked witness and lead investigator Detective Jessica Kurwel with the Savannah Police Department.

Detective Kurwel responded, “No I have not spoken to anyone who has alleged this event was the result of a robbery.”

Kurwel testified surveillance video showed Royce Haynes grabbed Robbins by the neckline of his hoodie before Robbins and Johnson first opened fire on the Hymon and other suspects.

The detective also testified Hymon had a weapon but was unable to shoot because he was shot and injured.

Hymon and Johnson are facing charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.

Hymon is also facing an illegal weapons charge and Johnson and underage pistol possession charge.

The State is aiming to indict the six suspects by Oct 1.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Washington County Service Authority Alerts Customers to Boil Water Advisory

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Early Wednesday, a precautionary boil water advisory…

Exiled Heir Returns: Son of Former Bangladesh PM Poised for Leadership After 17-Year Absence

In a significant political development, the son of a former Bangladeshi prime…

Fenerbahce President Arrested in Istanbul Following Positive Drug Test Amid Ongoing Narcotics Investigation

ANKARA – In a significant development in Turkey’s ongoing drug investigation, Sadettin…

Orlando Police Seek Public Assistance in Search for Missing 29-Year-Old Man

ORLANDO, Fla. – Authorities in Orlando are turning to the community for…

Knoxville Detention Upends Family Life, Says Friend of Detainee

In a dramatic turn of events, Diego Hernandez Garcia has returned to…

UT Extension Offices Launch Co-Parenting Courses for 2026: Empowering Local Families with Essential Skills

Divorce often presents numerous challenges, especially when children are involved, making custody…

Track Santa’s Magical Journey: How Hawkins Co. Emergency Communications Keeps the Tri-Cities in the Holiday Spirit with Operation Santa Claus

In the heart of Hawkins County, Tennessee, the diligent team at Hawkins…

Central Florida Man’s Arrest Unfolds After Accidental Tag Error Lands Him on ‘Naughty List

In Volusia County, Florida, a man wanted by authorities found himself in…

Tragic Incident in Knox County: Woman Fatally Shot by Officers During Confrontation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday when a…

Saudi Arabia Urges Yemen Separatists to Withdraw from Two Governorates Amidst Rising Tensions in Anti-Houthi Coalition

DUBAI – On Thursday, Saudi Arabia officially urged Emirati-supported separatists in Yemen…

Trump Cautions Kids About ‘Bad Santa’ and Champions Coal in Festive Holiday Chats

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Christmas Eve, President Donald Trump engaged…

Seamless Christmas Eve Travel Experience at Orlando International Airport Delight Flyers

ORLANDO, Fla. – For those planning holiday getaways, flying on Christmas Eve…