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Written by: A. Smith
Published January 30, 2026 @ 9:30 AM ET
BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. – A Georgia groom charged with killing his new bride’s stepfather at their wedding reception says he fired his weapon out of fear for his life, as prosecutors move forward with a felony murder case despite a previous grand jury finding the shooting was justified.
Authorities say 44-year-old Jason Maughon was found dead in a wooded area in Butts County following a July 2024 wedding celebration for Kailagh and Aaron White. Investigators later determined Maughon had been shot seven times. Aaron White was also injured in the confrontation and was found with a gunshot wound to his hand after the incident.
According to investigators and statements given to WSB-TV, the violence stemmed from a disturbance during the reception. Kailagh White had earlier confronted an intoxicated guest about inappropriate behavior. When the situation escalated, Aaron stepped in, and Maughon allegedly struck him in the face. The confrontation then moved into nearby woods, where authorities say Maughon allegedly threatened Aaron with a weapon.
Aaron told the outlet that his new father-in-law was “threatening to cut [him]” and said he opened fire out of “a fear for [his] life.”
“I don’t think anyone should have to second-guess defending themselves,” Aaron said.
Kailagh White has publicly stood by her husband, saying she believes she married her “best friend,” despite the tragedy unfolding on their wedding day.
A grand jury previously reviewed the case and determined Aaron acted in self-defense. However, Butts County District Attorney Jonathan Adams chose to present the case to a second grand jury, which indicted Aaron on a felony murder charge Wednesday. His bond was set at $100,000.
The decision has sparked sharp criticism from both law enforcement and the defense. Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said he believes the prosecution is unjustified.
“There’s an innocent man in my jail,” Long said, adding that he does not believe Aaron committed a crime that should be tried.
Aaron’s defense attorney, Bret Dunn, accused Adams of pursuing the case for political reasons, noting the district attorney is currently campaigning for a Superior Court judgeship.
“Jonathan Adams is making a politically motivated decision,” Dunn said.
Adams pushed back against the accusation, calling it hypocritical and pointing out that Dunn himself is running for state senate.
“I think the only one who has political gain in this is a defense attorney who’s running for office,” Adams said.
Sheriff Long said the Butts County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation continue to investigate the case as it proceeds through the court system.