Hoover police have announced that Birmingham teenagers King Gary Williams and Demetrius Dewayne Jackson, Jr. will be charged with capital murder and three counts of second-degree assault stemming from the shooting death of 8-year-old Royta Giles Jr.
The tragic incident occurred in the Riverchase Galleria mall on July 3, when Royta was fatally shot in the head while waiting with his mother, stepfather, and little sisters to enter the Children’s Place store. The Hoover Police Department has stated that Royta’s death was the result of a shootout that also injured three onlookers.
Also charged in the slaying is 22-year-old Montez Moses Miracle Coleman. According to an investigation conducted by the Hoover police, Coleman entered into a verbal disagreement with a group of males on the first level of the mall by the food court. Police say that following this argument, Coleman revealed a 5.56 caliber handgun - an AR pistol – that was hidden in his backpack and fired at the other young men, including Williams and Jackson Jr. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis has stated that the altercation most likely was not premeditated, and that, “We [the police] believe this was just a feud that had been going for a while that came to a head in the mall.”
King Williams’ lawyer, John Lentine, has defended his client publicly, stating that, “King, a young man who has never been in any trouble in his life, went to the Galleria to shop, not to be killed or to kill or hurt anyone, but when he nearly was killed any actions he took was to defend himself from being killed that day.” Lentine went on to say, “This was a terrible unfortunate tragedy and King Williams is not guilty of any offense he has been charged.”
Similarly, Revill Law Firm founder and Lead Attorney Victor Revill has spoken out in defense of his client, Demetrius Jacobson, Jr., telling the press, “Mr. Jackson has been charged with capital murder and assault for defending his own life and for refusing to be victimized by a person who clearly had no regard for human life.”
Revill Law Firm Stands Up for Local Teens
This is not the first time the Revill Law Firm has stood up against the actions of the police. Our skilled legal team truly believes that everyone deserves their day in court, which is why we offer criminal defense representation for juveniles, those accused of violent crimes, and more. If you or someone you know needs compassionate and tenacious legal counsel that will go above and beyond to craft a thoughtful defense, make sure to call Revill Law Firm today.
To reach Victor Revill or another one of our lawyers, call (205) 928-6544, or request a free consultation online.