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Name:
Griffin, Zatoria Rikiah
Date of Booking:
02/14/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – 5 Counts
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN THE FIRST DEGREE
THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY FEL
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.
[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:
There are listed co-defendants in this case. Please see Jaleel Shaheim Gantt, Eric Leon Merriweather Jr, Christian Deontez Williams, Julianna Raven Rodriguez, and Zykeria Kurshawna Merriweather for additional information.
2/18/26
NOTICE OF LEAD PROSECUTOR
What this means: The State has designated the prosecutor who will handle Zatoria Rikiah Griffin’s case in Richmond Superior Court. This prosecutor will represent the State throughout the proceedings.
3/19/26
CONDITIONAL BOND ORDER
What this means: The court has set conditions for Zatoria Rikiah Griffin’s release from custody pending trial. The defendant must follow specific rules to remain free before the case is resolved.
3/25/26
NOTIFICATION OF BOND/ADDRESS
What this means: The court or prosecutor has notified relevant parties of Zatoria Rikiah Griffin’s bond status and current address on file with the court.
4/28/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT
What this means: A grand jury has reviewed evidence and determined there is probable cause to proceed with formal charges against Zatoria Rikiah Griffin. An indictment is the formal charging document that allows the case to proceed to trial in superior court.
4/28/26
NOTICE OF SUBSEQUENT INDICTMENT ASSIGNMENT LETTER
What this means: The court has assigned the indictment to a judge or courtroom for case management. This notice informs all parties of the assignment.
6/10/26
ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR
What this means: Zatoria Rikiah Griffin is scheduled to appear in court at 9:00 a.m. for arraignment. At this hearing, the defendant will be informed of the charges, advised of rights, and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
6/11/26
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
What this means: An attorney has filed a notice with the court formally entering the case as counsel for Zatoria Rikiah Griffin. This document establishes that the attorney is officially representing the defendant.
6/11/26
PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS
What this means: Zatoria Rikiah Griffin’s attorney has filed one or more motions asking the court to rule on matters before trial — such as suppressing evidence, dismissing charges, or changing the venue. The judge will review and rule on these motions.
6/22/26
STATE’S DEMAND FOR DISCOVERY
What this means: The prosecutor has formally requested that Zatoria Rikiah Griffin’s attorney provide copies of evidence, witness statements, and other materials the defense intends to use at trial. This is part of the discovery process, in which both sides exchange information before trial.