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.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Trial Delayed in Savannah Homicide
- WTOC: Murder Trial Delayed for Teen
- Savannah Now: Chatham County Court Updates
- WSAV: Mistrial in Savannah Motel Murder Case
- New York Times: Ahmaud Arbery Trial
- Google Search: Savannah Homicide Trial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
- Google Scholar: Savannah Homicide Trial
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
