Get notified by email when this case is updated.
The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.
Name:
Small, Nyquan Naya
Date of Booking:
07/22/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
MURDER – F
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
5/2/25
FIRST APPEARANCE
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small appeared before a judge for his initial court appearance. During first appearances, defendants are typically informed of the charges against them, advised of their rights, and may have legal representation appointed if they cannot afford an attorney. This is usually one of the first formal court proceedings after arrest.
5/2/25
BOND HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: A bond hearing for Nyquan Maya Small was scheduled for 5/12/25. This would be when the court determines whether Small can be released from jail while awaiting trial and, if so, under what conditions and bond amount. Bond hearings typically consider factors like flight risk, danger to the community, and the seriousness of the charges.
6/5/25
BOUND OVER TO SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: After a probable cause hearing, Nyquan Maya Small’s case was bound over from the lower Recorder’s Court to the Superior Court of Chatham County. This means a judge found sufficient evidence to believe Small may have committed the alleged crimes, and the case will now proceed in Superior Court where felony cases are tried.
7/3/25
FIRST APPEARANCE IN SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small made his first appearance in Superior Court after his case was bound over from the lower court. This appearance in the higher court begins the Superior Court proceedings for his felony charges.
10/8/25
SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT ISSUED
What this means: A Chatham County grand jury issued a superseding indictment against Nyquan Maya Small, replacing an earlier indictment from June. The new indictment includes five serious charges: malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of firearm during commission of felony, and tampering with evidence. All charges stem from an April 5, 2025, incident where Small is accused of shooting and killing Rasheen Adkins. The tampering charge alleges Small concealed a firearm used in a separate shooting on April 4, 2025, at the 800 block of Tatem Street in Savannah. This superseding indictment expanded the charges against Small from the original case that only included tampering with evidence counts.
10/15/25
MOTION FOR BOND FILED
What this means: The state filed a motion asking the Superior Court judge to determine whether Nyquan Maya Small should receive bond on the new charges. The prosecution argued that since Small was already in jail with no bond set, and the superseding indictment added serious new charges including murder, the bond decision should be left to a Superior Court judge at a bond hearing rather than automatically continuing any previous bond arrangement.
10/15/25
BOND ORDER ISSUED – NO BOND DECISION
What this means: A Superior Court judge signed an order stating that bond for Nyquan Maya Small will be considered at a future date after the defendant files an application. The court did not grant or deny bond at this time, instead deferring the decision until Small’s defense team formally requests a bond hearing. This means Small remains in custody without bond until that hearing takes place.
10/16/25
ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Kaitlyn E. Walker formally entered her appearance as defense counsel for Nyquan Maya Small, filing an Entry of Appearance (EOA) with the court. This makes Walker the official attorney of record for Small’s case, meaning she will represent him in all court proceedings going forward.
11/17/25
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED
What this means: An arraignment hearing was scheduled for Nyquan Maya Small at 10:30 AM. During arraignment, Small would be formally read the charges in his superseding indictment and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is a required step before the case can proceed to trial.
11/30/25
DEMAND FOR SPEEDY TRIAL FILED
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s defense attorney, Kaitlyn Walker, filed a formal demand for a speedy trial under Georgia law. Since Small faces capital charges including malice murder, the defense has the right to demand trial within a specific timeframe. The motion requests that Small be tried before June 1, 2026, or else the charges should be dismissed. This filing preserves Small’s constitutional right to a speedy trial and puts time pressure on the prosecution to move the case forward quickly.
1/9/26
MOTION HEARING AND ARRAIGNMENT SET
What this means: The court scheduled a combined motion hearing and arraignment for Nyquan Maya Small at 1:00 PM. This hearing will address any pending motions filed by either side and may also include the formal arraignment where Small enters his plea to the charges. Having both proceedings on the same date helps move the case forward efficiently.
2/13/26
PRETRIAL HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: A pretrial hearing was set for Nyquan Maya Small at 9:30 AM. Pretrial hearings are used to resolve outstanding legal issues before trial, such as motions to suppress evidence, discovery disputes, or plea negotiations. These hearings help streamline the eventual trial by addressing procedural matters in advance.
3/20/26
MOTION TO APPOINT SECOND CHAIR FILED
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s defense attorney, Kaitlyn Walker, filed a motion asking the court to appoint Robert W. Attridge Jr. as co-counsel to assist with Small’s capital murder trial. Walker argues that as a solo practitioner handling this complex case on her own, she needs additional legal assistance. Attridge is already sworn to practice in Chatham County Superior Court and has a contract with the Chatham County Indigent Defense Unit. Under Superior Court Rule 42.2, trial judges may appoint additional counsel to assist retained counsel in defending serious cases like this murder prosecution.
3/20/26
PRETRIAL HEARING AND ARRAIGNMENT HELD
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small appeared in Chatham County Superior Court at 9:30 AM for a combined pretrial hearing and arraignment. This hearing addressed outstanding legal matters before trial and gave Small the opportunity to formally enter his plea to the charges in the superseding indictment.
3/23/26
STATE’S DISCOVERY DISCLOSURE FILED
What this means: Prosecutor Jennifer Parker filed the state’s discovery disclosure in Nyquan Maya Small’s case, providing the defense with evidence the prosecution plans to use at trial. The disclosure includes a witness list, scientific reports and summaries, and police body-worn camera footage. The state sent this evidence electronically via Microsoft OneDrive to defense attorney Kaitlyn Walker. This discovery exchange is required under Georgia law and allows both sides to prepare for trial by knowing what evidence will be presented. The state also demanded reciprocal discovery from the defense, meaning Small’s attorneys must share any evidence they plan to present, including any alibi information.
3/25/26
STATE’S SUPPLEMENTAL DISCOVERY DISCLOSURE FILED
What this means: Prosecutors filed an additional discovery disclosure in Nyquan Maya Small’s case, providing the defense with more evidence the state plans to use at trial. The state also renewed its demand for reciprocal discovery from the defense, meaning Small’s attorneys are required to share any evidence they intend to present at trial.
3/26/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO REVEAL THE DEAL
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s defense team filed a motion demanding that the District Attorney’s office disclose in writing any deals, agreements, or considerations made with witnesses in this case. The motion specifically asks whether any witness received benefits — such as special treatment in pending criminal cases, privileges at correctional facilities, or any other consideration — in exchange for their testimony or cooperation. This type of motion is rooted in the constitutional requirement that prosecutors disclose any agreements that could affect a witness’s credibility. The motion covers not just the DA’s office but also the Sheriff’s Office, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Corrections, and any other law enforcement agency involved.
3/30/26
DEFENSE CO-COUNSEL ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Robert W. Attridge Jr. formally filed his Entry of Appearance as co-counsel for Nyquan Maya Small in Chatham County Superior Court. Attridge, who holds Georgia Bar No. 311087, joins lead defense attorney Kaitlyn Walker in representing Small. This follows the earlier motion to appoint second chair filed on 3/20/26. All future court filings and notices in this case will now be directed to both attorneys.
4/1/26
EX PARTE ORDER FOR PRODUCTION OF WITNESS ISSUED
What this means: The court issued an ex parte order — meaning it was requested and granted without the other side present — requiring the production of a witness in Nyquan Maya Small’s case. This type of order is typically used by the defense to secure the appearance of a witness who may not otherwise be available for trial.
4/2/26
STATE SUBSTITUTES CO-COUNSEL
What this means: Assistant District Attorney Kyle Bowland filed a Notice of Substitution of Co-Counsel, replacing a previous prosecutor on Nyquan Maya Small’s case. Bowland, Georgia Bar No. 626028, is with the Eastern Judicial Circuit DA’s office located at 133 Montgomery Street, Suite 600, Savannah. All future filings and notices from the state will now go through Bowland as co-counsel for the prosecution.
4/2/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO SUPPRESS STATEMENTS AND REQUESTS JACKSON-DENNO HEARING
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s defense attorneys filed a motion asking the court to throw out any statements Small allegedly made to police, arguing those statements were obtained in violation of his constitutional rights. The defense also requested a Jackson-Denno hearing — a special proceeding where a judge, outside the presence of the jury, determines whether a defendant’s statements to police were made voluntarily before allowing them to be used as evidence at trial.
4/2/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION IN LIMINE TO EXCLUDE FIREARM, AMMUNITION, AND NARCOTICS EVIDENCE
What this means: Small’s defense attorneys filed a motion in limine — a pretrial request asking the judge to block certain evidence from being presented to the jury — specifically targeting a firearm, ammunition, and suspected narcotics recovered from the Savannah Garden Inn. The defense argues this evidence is irrelevant to the charges against Small and that allowing the jury to see it would be unfairly prejudicial.
4/3/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION IN LIMINE TO EXCLUDE CRIMESTOPPERS TIPS AND BOUNTY INFORMATION
What this means: Small’s defense team filed another motion in limine asking the court to prevent the prosecution from introducing evidence or testimony related to Crimestoppers tips and any “bounty” associated with the case. The defense likely argues this information is unreliable, prejudicial, or otherwise inadmissible at trial.
4/3/26
DEFENSE FILES AMENDED JACKSON-DENNO MOTION TO SUPPRESS STATEMENTS
What this means: Small’s defense attorneys filed an amended and expanded version of their earlier motion to suppress statements made to police, attaching additional supporting materials. This updated filing replaces or supplements the original motion filed on 4/2/26 and provides the court with more detailed arguments and evidence supporting the request to exclude Small’s statements from trial.
4/6/26
JURY TRIAL SCHEDULED
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s jury trial is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM. This is when the case will be presented to a jury of his peers, who will determine whether he is guilty or not guilty of the charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, firearm possession during a felony, and tampering with evidence. Given the speedy trial demand filed by the defense, this trial date falls within the required timeframe.
4/6/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO QUASH SUBPOENAS
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s defense team filed a motion asking the court to cancel or invalidate certain subpoenas that had been issued in the case. A motion to quash subpoenas typically argues that the subpoenas are improper, overly broad, seek privileged information, or were not issued in accordance with proper legal procedures.
4/7/26 – 4/10/26
JURY TRIAL BEGINS
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s jury trial got underway in Chatham County Superior Court, with proceedings scheduled across multiple days — 9:30 AM on 4/7/26 through 4/9/26, and 9:00 AM on 4/10/26. This is the proceeding where the state presents its case against Small on charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, and tampering with evidence.
4/13/26
JURY TRIAL CONTINUES
What this means: Nyquan Maya Small’s jury trial continued in Chatham County Superior Court at 9:30 AM. The case remained ongoing as both sides continued presenting evidence and arguments to the jury.
4/13/26
JUDGE ORDERS LUNCH PROVIDED TO NYQUAN MAYA SMALL DURING TRIAL
What this means: Judge Benjamin W. Karpf signed an order on April 13, 2026, directing that Nyquan Maya Small be provided a meal by the court during the ongoing jury trial in case number SPCR25-02887-J1. The judge noted that providing food to an in-custody defendant during a lengthy trial helps maintain a safe and orderly courtroom environment.
4/13/26
JURY RETURNS MIXED VERDICT IN NYQUAN MAYA SMALL TRIAL — NOT GUILTY ON FOUR COUNTS, GUILTY ON ONE
What this means: On April 13, 2026, a jury in the Superior Court of Chatham County returned its verdict in case number SPCR25-02887-J1 against Nyquan Maya Small. The jury found the defendant not guilty on four of the five counts and guilty on one.
Count 1 — Malice Murder: Not Guilty. The jury found Nyquan Maya Small did not commit intentional, premeditated murder.
Count 2 — Felony Murder: Not Guilty. The jury found Nyquan Maya Small did not commit a killing that occurred during the commission of a felony.
Count 3 — Aggravated Assault: Not Guilty. The jury found Nyquan Maya Small did not commit an aggravated assault.
Count 4 — Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony: Not Guilty. The jury found Nyquan Maya Small did not unlawfully possess a firearm during a felony.
Count 5 — Tampering with Evidence: Guilty. The jury found Nyquan Maya Small guilty of tampering with evidence. This is the only count on which a conviction was returned.
4/15/26
NYQUAN MAYA SMALL SENTENCED ON TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE CONVICTION
What this means: On April 15, 2026 — entered into the record on April 15, 2026 — Judge Benjamin W. Karpf issued the final disposition and sentence for Nyquan Maya Small in case number SPCR25-02887-J1 in the Superior Court of Chatham County, March Term of 2026.
Following the jury’s guilty verdict on Count 5, Tampering with Evidence, Nyquan Maya Small was sentenced to a total of 10 years. Of that, 1 year is to be served in confinement, with the remaining 9 years to be served on probation. Small is also entitled to credit for time already served in custody, as determined by the custodian.
Counts 1 through 4 — Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony — all resulted in jury verdicts of Not Guilty and carry no sentence.