Don Smith

The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Name:
Smith, Don Edward

Date of Booking:
06/04/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (FVA)

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On 6-4-2026, I was dispatched to [100 BLOCK] E. Virginia Ave. in reference to an Assault that had occurred at the home. It was reported that dispute between two males with one having a hammer and the other being unresponsive on the floor.

I arrived on scene and met with the homeowner, Mr. [WITNESS #1] who was walking back to his house from the neighbors. He stated he was not hurt but that, Don Smith had hit his brother, [VICTIM #1] with a hammer. [WITNESS #1] tried to break it up by hitting Don but was unable to do so.

I went to the front door and walked inside to see Don Smith on top of his brother, [VICTIM #1] who was lying in the floor face down, unresponsive with blood covering his head and the surrounding floor. I drew my department issued tazer and order Don (who was also covered in blood) to get up off his brother and back away to the kitchen. He complied and was immediately detained and sat in a chair.

I informed dispatchers to inform Atrium Health EMS to step up their response due to the severity of the injuries to [VICTIM #1]. I called out to [VICTIM #1] whose legs were partially under the bed and he eventually acknowledged me.

In [VICTIM #1]’s immediate area I did see (2) Red Fiberglass Framing Hammers and both were covered in blood with one having hair still attached to it. There was a female neighbor who was with [WITNESS #1] who provided a towel to rescue to help control the bleeding from [VICTIM #1]’s head.

At this time I did read Don Smith his Miranda Rights since he was detained for this crime. He stated he understood. I asked him why he attacked his brother and he stated that his brother made the comment about [REDACTED] and he snapped. From what I gathered “[REDACTED]” is ([REDACTED]) who lives in the area. Don stated that [VICTIM #1] said that she will not be coming back anymore and he lost it. He stated he was not in his right mind when he hit his brother and would never hurt his brother.

[VICTIM #1] was in and out of consciousness and due to his injuries I did not attempt to speak with him. I did obtain photographs of [VICTIM #1]’s visual injuries and I immediately could see that he had two severely black eyes. Other injures unknown at this time and unknown how many lacerations he had to his head or how many times he was struck with the hammer.

Atrium Health Navicent EMS arrived and would soon transport [VICTIM #1] to Atrium Health Navicent for treatment.

The (2) hammers were collected for evidence and placed into my patrol vehicle.

I went outside and spoke to [WITNESS #1] who was sitting under the carport. He stated that Don and [VICTIM #1] began arguing over [REDACTED] and stated that Don accused [VICTIM #1] of hurting her then next thing he knew Don started hitting [VICTIM #1] for ultimately no reason. [WITNESS #1] is blind but could hear what was going on in the room and heard [VICTIM #1] yell for help.

Don was cleared of any contraband and escorted out to my patrol vehicle. He was transported to the Jones County Jail where he was turned over to jail staff to shower. I did mention to the staff that he made the comment that he would “kill himself” in jail. Jail staff determined that he would placed in an observation cell on suicide watch for now. I stayed at the jail until Don was showered and placed in his holding cell.

Evidence was logged and placed in the lockers and I will seek a warrant for the charge of Aggravated Assault under Family Violence.

[End of Narrative]

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:

8/3/26

BOND ORDER FILED WITH CLERK OF COURT

What this means: A bond order was filed with the clerk of court for Don Edward Smith in Jones Superior Court, Case No. 2026-CR-259. The order established bond conditions for his release.

8/3/26

GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 4 COUNTS FILED AGAINST DON EDWARD SMITH

What this means: Don Edward Smith is facing four felony and misdemeanor charges. Count 1 charges him with aggravated assault under Georgia Code 16-5-21, a felony. Counts 2 and 3 charge him with aggravated battery under Georgia Code 16-5-24, both felonies. Count 4 charges him with battery under Georgia Code 16-5-23.1, a misdemeanor. All charges relate to conduct on 6/4/2026. The indictment was filed in Jones Superior Court, Case No. 2026-CR-259.

8/13/26

SPECIAL PRESENTMENT BENCH WARRANT ISSUED

What this means: A bench warrant was issued for Don Edward Smith. This type of warrant is typically issued when a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding or violates bond conditions.

8/20/26

NOTICE OF ARRAIGNMENT MAILED TO DEFENDANT AND ALL PARTIES

What this means: The court mailed formal notice to Don Edward Smith and all attorneys in the case informing them of an upcoming arraignment hearing. This notice provides the defendant and counsel with official notification of the next scheduled court date.

9/17/26

ARRAIGNMENT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 9 AM

What this means: An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for Don Edward Smith in Jones Superior Court at 9 AM on 9/17/26. At an arraignment, the defendant will be informed of the charges, advised of his rights, and asked to enter a plea. The court will also address any bond or bail matters.