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In Georgia, a couple’s wedding celebration transformed into a tragic scene, culminating in a legal quandary over self-defense. What started as a joyful occasion soon unraveled into a deadly confrontation involving the groom, Aaron Derek White, aged 33.
White now finds himself charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, as reported by Local 12, following a grand jury’s decision in January 2026. These serious charges are connected to the death of Jason Maughon, who was 44 at the time and known as the stepfather to White’s bride, Kailagh. The incident dates back to July 2024, a day that should have been filled with marital bliss.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, alongside the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, pieced together the events leading to the fatal encounter. It appears that tensions were already simmering before the wedding, with Maughon having a heated altercation with another family member. Despite this, the parties involved made their way to the wedding separately, hoping perhaps that the ceremony could proceed without further incident.
However, upon arrival, the atmosphere quickly deteriorated. According to authorities, a firearm was unexpectedly discharged by the aforementioned relative, sparking panic and chaos. In the ensuing turmoil, Maughon reportedly charged at White, allegedly delivering a blow to his face, setting off a chain of events that ended in tragedy.
Upon arrival, the situation escalated. Authorities stated the relative began discharging a firearm. During the chaos, Maughon charged at White and allegedly struck him in the face.
White told investigators that in response to the physical assault, he retrieved a gun from his truck and began shooting.
An autopsy report later revealed that Maughon had been shot seven times.
White maintained that his actions were a necessary response to a perceived threat. Speaking to WSB-TV, White explained his state of mind during the altercation:
“The last time I saw him, he was threatening to cut me, so it’s a fear for my life.”
His wife, Kailagh, has remained steadfast in her support and expressed her joy at marrying him while claiming White acted in self-defense.
“I got to marry my best friend,” she said.
Even Butts County Sheriff Gary Long also stated that he believed White’s actions constituted self-defense.
Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jonathan Adams brought the case before a second grand jury earlier this year, after a grand jury declined to indict White in April 2024. The first grand jury cited a lack of sufficient evidence.
The prosecution’s argument hinged on whether the use of a firearm was a proportional response to a physical altercation.
District Attorney Adams clarified that while White had the right to defend himself, the “deadly” nature of that defense is the point of contention.
“I believe there had been a fist fight, so this isn’t a question of self-defense. However, the law requires a person to have a reasonable belief of receiving serious bodily injury or death before they can use deadly force,” Adams said, according to Jackson Progress-Argus.
“In this case, we have an unarmed man shot seven times, and I believe it is a question for the people of Butts County to decide through a grand jury and trial jury.”
On Wednesday, police arrested White, who was later released on a $100,000 bond, according to WSB-TV.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Jason Maughon/GBI]