Due to “insufficient evidence,” the Georgia groom’s charges for allegedly killing his bride’s stepfather on their wedding night have been withdrawn.
In January, Aaron White, 33, was charged with murder and aggravated assault in relation to Jason Maughon, 44, who was shot in 2024.
White shot and killed the stepfather of his new bride, Kailagh White, only hours after they were married in Butts County, according to officials.
Since the shooting, White has asserted that he acted in self-defense and maintained his innocence.
“After a thorough review of the evidence, witness statements, investigative materials, and applicable law, the State has determined that it cannot meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt at trial due to insufficient evidence,” prosecutors stated in the court filing, which led to the dismissal of the charges against White on Wednesday.
“In addition, the State has concluded that it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that [White] was the primary aggressor in the altercation that led to the victim’s death, nor can the State refute [White’s] claim of self-defense.”
Although White expressed relief that his legal battle is finished, he acknowledged that the events of his wedding night continue to haunt him.
When Aaron White, 33, shot and killed his new wife, Kailagh’s stepfather, on their wedding night, he said he did so in self-defense.In July 2024, Jason Maughon, 44, Kailagh’s stepfather, was discovered dead in the woods in Butts County, Georgia, with seven gunshot wounds.
“It remains with you.” You never truly get rid of it. He told WSB-TV, “You don’t forget it. I’m sorry someone had to lose their life, but I had to do what I had to do to protect.”
According to investigators, White was shot in the hand, and Maughon was shot seven times in the woods close to the wedding reception.
After a grand jury in 2025 determined that White had acted in self-defense, then-Towaliga District Attorney Jonathan Adams decided to try the case again in January.
In February, Adams resigned from his position as DA, and in May, he was elected to the position of Towaliga Circuit Superior Court Judge.
The prosecution was taken over by the Henry County DA’s office after a court in March excluded the Towalgia DA’s office from the case due to forensic misconduct.
According to Butts County Sheriff Gary Long, the argument started when Kailagh ordered an inebriated guest to leave after the ceremony.
When White attempted to step in, Maughon allegedly struck him in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
White claimed that although he is pleased that his legal battle is ended, the events of his wedding night still trouble him.
According to Butts County Sheriff Gary Long, the argument started when Kailagh ordered an inebriated guest to leave after the ceremony.
Maughon’s family told a local news station they are still hoping to get justice for his death
A few minutes later, Maughon and the inebriated relative drove back in different vehicles, and when Maughon charged at White, the unidentified relative discharged a revolver, striking White in the hand, according to WSB-TV.
White fled to his truck to grab his own weapon and began firing shots.
“I stood up for myself and everyone else,” he declared.
Maughon was discovered dead in the woods from several gunshot wounds.
“We are looking for justice for my son,” Maughon’s father, Dan Maughon, told the local news station. Maughon’s family is still yearning for justice. “He had no weapons at all.”
The Henry County DA’s office and White’s lawyers were approached by The Daily Mail for comment.
