Valdosta Man Sentenced Life Without Parole For Deadly 2022 South DeKalb Mall Shooting

James Elderidge Scott, a 49-year-old man from Valdosta, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 96 years for a deadly 2022 shooting at a restaurant and bar inside South DeKalb Mall. The shooting occurred during a birthday celebration, where Scott brushed against the fiancée of one of the attendees, leading to an argument and Scott firing multiple rounds inside the restaurant and into the parking lot. Four people were shot, with 48-year-old Daletavious McGuire dying from his injuries. Surveillance footage captured Scott wearing a neon vest and straw hat during the incident, and DNA evidence from clothing found at the scene linked him to the crime. Scott was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, and providing false information to police. The case was prosecuted by the DeKalb County District Attorney's office and presided over by Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams.