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Name:
Gantt, Jaleel Shaheim
Date of Booking:
02/17/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
OTHER AUTHORITY WARRANT
THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY FEL
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE FIRST DEGREE
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
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 Friday, February 13th, 2026, at approximately 0455 hours, The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to [1100 BLOCK] D’Antignac Street in reference to a shooting.
Upon arrival, Deputies were advised that shots had been fired into the residence from the exterior of the home. Deputies spoke with five victims that were inside the residence when it was struck by gunfire. Investigators later responded to the scene and began gathering evidence regarding the shooting.
Throughout the investigation, it was determined through video footage that a light-colored Hyundai Accent was being driven by the suspects in the shooting. Investigators were able to identify the vehicle through Intel and FLOCK Camera Images as a gold 2016 Hyundai Accent (GA Tag: [REDACTED] VIN: [REDACTED]) valued at $6000.00 that had been reported stolen at 0613 hours at [700 BLOCK] Woodhill Trail by the owner, [VICTIM #1].
The investigation revealed that the listed subjects identified as Jaleel Gantt, Eric Merriweather, Zatoria Griffin, Zykerria Merriweather, Christian Williams, and Julianna Rodriguez occupied the vehicle while using it during the shooting.
Investigators located Eric Merriweather, Zatoria Griffin, Zykerria Merriweather, Christian Williams, and Julianna Rodriguez at [3200 BLOCK] York Drive which is close to the location where the vehicle was stolen from. Jaleel Gantt was the only subject not at the location. The vehicle had not been located at this time either, but all of the subjects admitted to being in the vehicle with Jaleel Gantt.
Jaleel Gantt was determined to be the driver of the vehicle during the time of the shooting. None of the subjects could explain where the vehicle was or how they obtained it. There was no evidence of them attempting to return the vehicle to its owner.
All of the subjects were arrested in connection to the shooting and were additionally charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property – Felony for being in possession of the stolen vehicle. Warrants were obtained on the subjects as well as Jaleel Gantt, who is not in custody.
This Investigation was turned over to the Lead Investigator, Devante Brown.
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:
There are listed co-defendants in this case. Please see Eric Leon Merriweather Jr, Zatoria Rikiah Griffin, Christian Deontez Williams, Julianna Raven Rodriguez, and Zykeria Kurshawna Merriweather for additional information.
2/17/26
JALEEL SHAHEIM GANTT BOOKED INTO CUSTODY
What this means: Jaleel Shaheim Gantt was arrested and taken into custody on this date. He is facing charges including theft by receiving stolen property (a felony), five counts of aggravated assault, and criminal damage to property in the first degree, all in Richmond County Superior Court under case number 2026RCCR00475.
4/28/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT
What this means: A grand jury in Richmond County has formally indicted Jaleel Shaheim Gantt on the charges. An indictment means a group of citizens reviewed the evidence and determined there is probable cause to believe he committed the crimes. The case now moves forward in Superior Court.
5/1/26
CONDITIONAL BOND ORDER ISSUED
What this means: The court has set conditions for Jaleel Shaheim Gantt’s release from custody pending trial. He must follow specific rules or restrictions set by the judge in order to remain free while the case proceeds. The exact conditions are detailed in the bond order.
5/1/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY LUCY BELL ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Lucy Bell, an attorney, has officially entered the case as Jaleel Shaheim Gantt’s legal representative. She has also filed consolidated motions and notices on his behalf.
5/1/26
WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT AND NOT GUILTY PLEA ENTERED
What this means: Jaleel Shaheim Gantt has waived his right to a formal arraignment hearing and has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. This means he is denying the accusations and the case will proceed toward trial.
5/4/26
STATE FILES DEMAND FOR DISCOVERY
What this means: The prosecution has formally requested that the defense provide all evidence and information it intends to use at trial. This is a standard part of the discovery process, where both sides exchange evidence before trial.
5/7/26
NOTICE OF BOND FILED
What this means: A notice regarding Jaleel Shaheim Gantt’s bond status has been filed with the court. This typically confirms the terms of his release or any changes to bond conditions.
6/10/26
ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR SCHEDULED
What this means: Although Jaleel Shaheim Gantt waived his arraignment on 5/1/26, an arraignment calendar hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on this date. This may be a status check or a rescheduled appearance before the judge.
9/9/26
CALENDAR CALL SCHEDULED
What this means: A calendar call hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on this date in Richmond Superior Court. At a calendar call, the judge checks on the status of the case, confirms that both sides are ready to proceed, and may set or adjust trial dates. Jaleel Shaheim Gantt and his attorney Lucy Bell are expected to appear.
10/5/26
JURY TRIAL CALENDAR SCHEDULED
What this means: A jury trial calendar hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on this date. This is a pretrial status conference where the court confirms that the case is ready for jury trial and addresses any last-minute issues or motions.
10/26/26
JURY TRIAL CALENDAR SCHEDULED
What this means: Another jury trial calendar hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on this date. This is a final pretrial check before the actual jury trial begins, allowing the judge and attorneys to confirm readiness and resolve any outstanding matters.