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Name:
Whitlock, Corey
Date of Booking:
06/19/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
PURCHASE, POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, OR SALE OF MARIJUANA
POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF OR ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CER FELONIES
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 06/19/2026 at 1845 hrs, I was dispatched to 721 Veterans Pkwy (Wawa) in reference to shots fired. Dispatch advised there was a black male lying on the ground who had been shot and the suspect was still on scene.
I arrived on scene and observed a black male on the ground with officers providing aid. I observed a black firearm lying on the roof of a 2023 Chevrolet white Camaro (GA – [REDACTED]), and a bullet hole in the rear left window of a 2019 Red Chrysler 300 (GA – [REDACTED]). I assisted officers in securing the scene by moving the crowd of people away from the victim, and identifying witnesses. While securing the scene, EMS arrived on scene to assess the victim, who was later identified as, [REDACTED BY AGENCY].
I made contact with a witness, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], who stated she was at the intersection of Veterans Pkwy/Elma G Miles Pkwy when she saw a black male, later identified as Corey Whitlock, point a firearm at the victim, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], while Mr Whitlock was standing beside his vehicle and heard approximately 3 shots before she observed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] fall to the ground. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] pulled into the parking lot and provided aid to [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] observed Mr Whitlock reach into his vehicle, grab a bag, run inside of Wawa and returned to the scene. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] advised Mr Whitlock placed his firearm (Glock 20- ALTG565) on the roof of his vehicle, and waited for officers to arrive.
I made contact with a second witness, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], who stated he was pulling into the parking lot when he observed Mr Whitlock and [REDACTED BY AGENCY] arguing beside the air pump. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated he observed Mr Whitlock pull out a firearm from his waist area and shoot [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated he heard 3-5 shots before he observed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] fall to the ground. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] went inside of Wawa and advised the manager of the incident.
Sergeant Stroman 180 and I entered Wawa and reviewed the security footage of the incident in the parking lot. I observed Mr Whitlock holding what appeared to be a firearm pointed at [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in the parking lot before [REDACTED BY AGENCY] fell to the ground. I also observed Mr Whitlock return to his vehicle after removing his shirt to retrieve a black bag from his vehicle. Mr Whitlock ran inside of Wawa with the black book bag and entered the break room. A few moments later, he exited the break room and no longer had possession of the black bag. Mr Whitlock exited Wawa and returned to the area where [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was lying until officers arrived and detained him.
Officer Singleton 176, requested central to run the firearm through gcic/ncic, and central advised the firearm had negative wants. Detective Santiago and Detective Rivera arrived on scene and assumed this case. Detective Rivera collected the firearm that was lying on the roof of Mr. Whitlock’s vehicle.
[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:
6/24/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD — BOND DENIED BY MAGISTRATE COURT
What this means: Corey Jerrod Whitlock appeared before the Magistrate Court of Liberty County for his First Appearance Hearing on June 24, 2026. This is a standard early court appearance where a judge reviews the charges and decides whether to set a bond. The court considered three felony warrants — Warrant No. 26-WF-006746C (Aggravated Assault, O.C.G.A. 16-5-21), Warrant No. 26-WF-006747C (Purchase, Possession, Manufacture, Distribution, or Sale of Marijuana, O.C.G.A. 16-13-30), and Warrant No. 26-WF-006748C (Possession of Firearm or Knife During Commission of or Attempt to Commit Certain Felonies, O.C.G.A. 16-11-106). Bond was denied on all three counts. The court found the defendant posed a danger to persons or the community and referred the matter to Superior Court for bond consideration. Corey Jerrod Whitlock remained held in the Liberty County Jail without bond.
6/24/26
COMMITMENT HEARING REQUESTED
What this means: At his First Appearance, Corey Jerrod Whitlock requested a Commitment Hearing. A Commitment Hearing is a proceeding held before a magistrate judge where the State must show there is probable cause to believe the accused committed the crimes charged. If the State cannot meet that standard, the charges can be dismissed at that level. The Magistrate Court of Liberty County notified the Clerk of Liberty County Superior Court of this request. The three felony charges — Aggravated Assault, Purchase/Possession/Manufacture/Distribution or Sale of Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm or Knife During Commission of or Attempt to Commit Certain Felonies — were all listed as felony-degree offenses on the notification order.
6/30/26
DEFENSE FILES RULE NISI — BAIL HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 8/3/26
What this means: Also on June 30, 2026, defense attorney Stacey M. Goad filed a Rule Nisi in Liberty County Superior Court, Case No. 2026-SU-PR-288-MH. A Rule Nisi is a formal notice that sets a court date for a pending motion to be heard. This filing notified the Assistant District Attorney that the Petition for Bail would be brought before the Honorable Judge Mark A. Hendrix on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as counsel could be heard.
6/30/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR COREY JERROD WHITLOCK
What this means: Attorney Stacey M. Goad of The Atlantic Law Firm in Savannah, Georgia formally entered her appearance as defense counsel for Corey Jerrod Whitlock in Liberty County Superior Court on June 30, 2026. Georgia Bar No. 140788. This filing, made in Case No. SUPR2026000288, officially places her on record as the attorney representing Whitlock going forward. A copy was served on District Attorney Billy Joe Nelson, Jr.
6/30/26
DEFENSE FILES PETITION FOR BAIL IN SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: On June 30, 2026, defense attorney Stacey M. Goad filed a formal Petition for Bail in Liberty County Superior Court on behalf of Corey Jerrod Whitlock, Case No. 2026-SU-PR-288-MH. Because bond was denied at the magistrate level, the defense is now asking a Superior Court judge to reconsider and set a reasonable bond. The petition argues that Corey Jerrod Whitlock does not pose a significant flight risk, is not a danger to any person or the community, and is not likely to commit any felony or obstruct justice while awaiting trial.
6/30/26
DEFENSE FILES CONSOLIDATED MOTIONS PACKAGE
What this means: On June 30, 2026, defense attorney Stacey M. Goad filed a Consolidated Motions Package in Liberty County Superior Court, Case No. SUPR2026000288. This is a collection of pretrial motions filed at or before arraignment. Among the requests made is a broad discovery motion under O.C.G.A. 17-16-1 and related statutes, asking the State to disclose a complete witness list with dates of birth, addresses, and phone numbers; the names and contact information of all State’s witnesses no later than ten days before trial; and statements made by any witness the State intends to call at any evidentiary hearing, trial, or sentencing. The State has a continuing duty to provide this information through all stages of the case, including pretrial negotiations, trial, and post-trial proceedings.
8/3/26
SUPERIOR COURT GRANTS BOND FOR COREY JERROD WHITLOCK
What this means: On August 3, 2026, a judge of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit’s Superior Court granted bond for Corey Jerrod Whitlock in Case No. 2026-PR-288. The bond was set at $40,000 cash or $80,000 property. As conditions of the bond, Corey Jerrod Whitlock is required to stay away — directly or indirectly, including through social media platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and similar platforms — from the person, home, and job of the alleged victim. He is also prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons or engaging in any other illegal activity, must not violate any laws of Georgia or other states, and may not use intoxicating beverages or illegal drugs. He must maintain a current address on file with the State and the Court and notify the Court if that address changes. The order was signed on August 3, 2026.
8/3/26
SURETY BOND EXECUTED — COREY JERROD WHITLOCK RELEASED FROM LIBERTY COUNTY JAIL
What this means: On August 3, 2026, a Surety Bond was executed in Liberty County Superior Court, Case No. 2026-PR-288, securing the release of Corey Jerrod Whitlock from custody. The bond was written in the amount of $44,100.00 through Tri-County Bonding. The bond was attested and approved by the Sheriff of Liberty County. The charges stem from an arrest by the Hinesville Police Department. As a condition of the bond, Corey Jerrod Whitlock is required to appear before Liberty County Superior Court when called, with his court date listed as TBD at the time the bond was executed. The bond was filed with the Liberty County Superior Court Clerk’s office on August 13, 2026.