August 6, 2025

Trial Delayed for Savannah Man Charged with Murder

News Summary

The jury trial for Jaheim Mitchell, charged in the shooting death of Rashard Kinlaw, has been postponed due to the absence of a crucial medical examiner. The judge expressed frustration over the slow progress of the case, which has seen multiple delays, including a recent request for a change of counsel by Mitchell. The community continues to mourn Kinlaw, whose death has drawn significant attention.

Savannah, Georgia – The jury trial for 20-year-old Jaheim Mitchell, charged with the shooting death of 21-year-old Rashard Kinlaw, has been delayed due to the unavailability of a key witness. The court granted a motion for continuance after the medical examiner, essential for the state’s case, was found to be out of town. The trial was originally set to begin on Tuesday.

Mitchell faces multiple serious charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities allege that he fatally shot Kinlaw on October 16, 2022, near the intersection of Mundy Street and Weldon Street in Savannah. When police officers responded to a reported single-vehicle crash, they discovered Kinlaw inside an overturned sedan suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Memorial Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

At the time of the shooting, Mitchell was only 17 years old. He was apprehended several weeks later by the U.S. Marshals Service in Martinez, Georgia, approximately 2.5 hours away from the scene of the incident. The proceedings have been described as unusually slow, with Judge Middleton expressing frustration over the pace at which the trial has progressed. Mitchell recently requested a change of counsel, leading to attorney Skye Musson being appointed to represent him. This shift has further contributed to the delays in readiness for the trial.

Judge Middleton recognized the absence of the medical examiner as a legitimate reason for postponing the trial but reiterated the necessity for all parties to be prepared once a new trial date is set. As of Tuesday, no new date for the trial has been established.

The death of Rashard Kinlaw has drawn considerable attention from the community. Kinlaw was remembered in his obituary as a beloved son, brother, and friend, highlighting the impact of his untimely death on those who knew him.

This case remains a focal point in Savannah, and the delay in proceedings emphasizes the complexities often involved in criminal trials, especially when critical testimonies are dependent on witness availability. As the legal team prepares for the next steps, the tragedy of Kinlaw’s death continues to resonate throughout the community.