Georgia Wedding Turns Deadly: Groom Aaron White Indicted in Fatal Shooting of Bride’s Stepfather Jason Maughon
Georgia wedding turns deadly as groom Aaron White is indicted in the fatal shooting of bride’s stepfather Jason Maughon, despite an earlier self-defense ruling.
Butts County, Georgia — What began as a joyful wedding celebration for Kailagh and Aaron White on July 14, 2024, ended in bloodshed and a prolonged legal battle after a confrontation at the reception escalated into a fatal shooting that killed the bride’s stepfather, Jason Maughon. More than a year later, the case has reignited controversy after prosecutors reversed an earlier self-defense ruling and charged the groom with felony murder.
Wedding Reception Spirals Into Violence
The wedding ceremony itself, held at a rural property on the 200 block of Peoples Road in Jackson, Georgia, proceeded without incident. Trouble began during the late-night reception when a guest, reportedly intoxicated, behaved inappropriately. According to witness accounts, Kailagh White confronted the guest, who responded aggressively.
Aaron White intervened to defend his wife, triggering a physical altercation. At that point, Jason Maughon, 44, Kailagh’s stepfather, allegedly punched Aaron in the face. The confrontation then moved away from the reception area and into nearby woods.
Fatal Shooting in the Woods
Investigators say the situation escalated rapidly once in the wooded area. Maughon allegedly drew a firearm and fired first, grazing Aaron White’s hand. White then ran to his truck, retrieved a gun, and returned fire.
Authorities report that Jason Maughon was struck by seven gunshots, sustaining fatal injuries. Two other individuals were wounded in what officials described as a triple shooting, though both survived.
The Butts County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 1:00 a.m. on July 15, 2024. Maughon was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Initial Self-Defense Ruling
Aaron White, 33, of Covington, Georgia, was not arrested at the time. The case was reviewed by a grand jury, which concluded that White acted in self-defense, citing evidence that Maughon allegedly fired first and posed an immediate threat.
White consistently maintained that he feared for his life, later stating that Maughon had threatened to “cut him” before the gunfire began.
Case Reopened, Groom Indicted in 2026
The legal trajectory changed dramatically in January 2026 after District Attorney Jonathan Adams presented the case to a second grand jury. On January 28, 2026, that panel returned an indictment charging Aaron White with felony murder and aggravated assault.
White was arrested and booked into the Butts County Jail, where a judge set bond at $100,000.
Political Motives Alleged as Controversy Erupts
The renewed prosecution has sparked fierce debate among law enforcement and legal observers. Butts County Sheriff Gary Long publicly criticized the indictment, stating that he believes “an innocent man is in jail” and that there is no triable crime.
White’s defense attorney, Bret Dunn, accused DA Adams of pursuing the case for political reasons, alleging the indictment is tied to Adams’ campaign for a Superior Court judgeship. Adams rejected the accusation, countering that Dunn himself is politically motivated and insisting the prosecution is grounded in evidence.
Bride Stands by Her Husband
Despite the family tragedy, Kailagh White has remained steadfast in her support of her husband, describing him as her “best friend” and standing by his account of events. No charges have been filed against her.
GBI Investigation Ongoing
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) assumed control of the case at the request of local authorities. Officials say the investigation remains active and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted to:
- Butts County Sheriff’s Office: 770-775-8216
- GBI Milledgeville Office: 478-445-4173
No additional arrests have been announced related to the other shooting victims.
Key Figures in the Case
| Name | Role | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Derek White | Groom, Defendant | 33, claims self-defense after being shot | Indicted; $100,000 bond |
| Kailagh White | Bride | Confronted drunk guest; supports husband | No charges |
| Jason Maughon | Victim | 44, bride’s stepfather | Deceased |
| Jonathan Adams | District Attorney | Sought second indictment | Defending prosecution |
| Gary Long | Sheriff | Says White is innocent | Opposes charges |
| Bret Dunn | Defense Attorney | Claims political prosecution | Preparing trial defense |
A Wedding That Became a Legal Flashpoint
The case underscores broader tensions in Georgia’s justice system, including self-defense law interpretation, prosecutorial discretion, and the role of politics in high-profile criminal cases. As Aaron White awaits trial, the community remains divided over whether the shooting was a tragic act of self-preservation—or a crime that now demands accountability.