Aaron White, 33, was indicted by a Butts County, Georgia grand jury on felony murder charges for the July 13, 2024, shooting death of his new bride’s stepfather, 44-year-old Jason Maughon, during their wedding reception. This marks the second grand jury to review the case, after one in April 2025 declined to indict on homicide charges citing insufficient evidence and self-defense.
Incident Sequence
Tensions escalated when bride Kailagh asked an inebriated relative to leave for inappropriate behavior, leading to a tussle; Maughon intervened by punching White to the ground. Maughon and the relative returned armed—the relative shot White in the hand, Maughon chased him, and White retrieved a gun from his truck, firing seven times at Maughon who died from his wounds.
Legal Dispute
Butts County Sheriff Gary Long called it the “clearest case of self-defense” in his 30-year career, a view echoed by the first grand jury that indicted on lesser assault charges (later dropped). DA Jonathan Adams pursued a second grand jury, emphasizing lawful use of deadly force, amid mutual accusations of political motivations with White’s attorney. White posted $100,000 bond and maintains he feared for his life.
Family Perspectives
Bride Kailagh White supports her husband, hoping “the truth will come out,” while Maughon’s father seeks justice through the courts.
