Houston County jury deliberates after closing arguments in the trial of a 13-year old accused of shooting a 14-year old in 2024.
HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Houston County jury began deliberations Monday afternoon in the trial of a teen accused of murder in the 2024 fatal shooting of 14-year-old TraQuavis Holloway outside a movie theater.
The suspect was just 13 at the time of the incident. He faces charges of malice murder, felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Prosecutors and the defense delivered closing arguments Monday before handing the case to the jurors.
Defense attorney J. Travis Griffin argued the shooting was an act of self-defense. Griffin told jurors that the 14-year-old and several other teenagers were jumping the younger boy and his friend when the weapon was fired.
“We all know that being jumped by a group of people who mean to do you harm can cause you serious bodily injury or death,” Griffin said.
Griffin urged jurors to acquit if they had any doubt.
“If you’re a ‘probably didn’t,’ you have a doubt in your mind, which is a doubt of the law, then you must acquit,” Griffin said.
Griffin said the defense’s argument creates reasonable doubt about whether the suspect committed some of the charges.
Prosecutor Sandra Matson countered that the shooting was not self-defense. Matson pointed to the number of shots fired as evidence of excessive force.
“Six times with a deadly weapon is definitely excessive force,” Matson said.
She read text messages the 13-year-old sent before the shooting, saying they prove malice.
“We’re gonna cut, clutch the bullet. You already know. It’s not going for nothing. They’re on some dummy bleep. They try something, they’re gonna get hit with some straight hot bleep,” Matson quoted.
Matson also said the teen stole the gun from an unlocked car, further showing malice.
The jury began deliberations at 2:30 p.m. Monday. Deliberations adjourned before a verdict was reached. Jurors will reconvene Tuesday.