A Valdosta man has been sentenced to life without parole for a deadly shooting that occurred inside a restaurant at South DeKalb Mall. The announcement was made by DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston following the conviction of James Elderidge Scott, 49, after a jury trial.
On September 24, 2025, jurors found Scott guilty on several charges including Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm After Having Been Convicted of Certain Felonies, three counts of Aggravated Assault Weapon, four counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Giving False Name, Address or Birthdate to a Law Enforcement Officer. The charges stem from an incident on June 10, 2022.
DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams presided over the trial and delivered the sentence: life without the possibility of parole plus an additional 96 years.
According to investigators, police responded around 11:30 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside a restaurant and bar at South DeKalb Mall. Four people were found with gunshot wounds and transported to hospitals; one victim, Daletavious McGuire, 48, died as a result.
The investigation revealed that McGuire’s family had gathered at the restaurant to celebrate his mother’s 71st birthday. An argument began when Scott brushed against another guest's fiancée. Despite attempts by witnesses to deescalate the situation, Scott drew a firearm and shot one individual before firing randomly into the establishment.
Surveillance footage captured Scott wearing a high visibility vest and wide-brimmed straw hat during the incident. After firing multiple rounds inside the restaurant and in the parking lot—where several vehicles were also damaged—Scott left carrying a pitcher of beer.
The next day, mall security discovered items matching those worn by the shooter; DNA collected from these items matched Scott’s profile after testing at the GBI Crime Lab. Crime Stoppers released surveillance images which led an anonymous tipster to identify Scott as the suspect. He was arrested on June 28, 2022.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Atakora with support from Senior Assistant District Attorney Farrah Shawarby, Investigator Tia Johnson and Victim Advocate Christy Palmer. Detective B.R. Smith led the initial investigation for DeKalb County Police Department.
District Attorney Sherry Boston stated: "This senseless act shattered lives in our community and demonstrates how quickly violence can escalate with tragic consequences."