ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Jury selection began Monday, Aug. 10, for a Dougherty County man accused of fatally shooting a man in 2020 and injuring another.

On Oct. 17, 2020, Jawaski Kennedy, 28, was killed in a shooting in the 700 block of West Highland Avenue around 11:30 p.m.

Originally, two brothers, Shaquille Mathis and Carlos Mathis, and their mother, Shawanda Mathis, were charged in connection with the murder.

Now, according to Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards, Shaquille Mathis is the only person facing charges in connection with Kennedy’s death.

Shaquille Mathis faces:

• Malice Murder
• Felony Murder
• Aggravated Assault (two counts)
• Possession of a firearm during the comm. of a felony
• Violation of Street Gang Act

Originally, Shawanda Mathis faced five of the nine counts listed in the indictment, plus a charge of Making False Statements. Carlos Mathis faced seven of the nine counts.

Court documents show defense attorneys for Shawanda Mathis filed paperwork to sever her trial from her son’s, listing the reasons below:

• The number of defendants creates confusion as to the law and evidence applicable to each defendant
• Evidence admissible against the codefendants is not admissible against this defendant
• The defenses are antagonistic, and the family relationship magnifies every danger

Ultimately, DA Edwards says the state decided Monday not to pursue charges against the mother or Carlos Mathis.

“While the state is no longer pursuing charges against Carlos Mathis, the state is not barred later in pursuing charges against him for this homicide.”

The court expects a jury will be finalized Tuesday, with opening statements beginning in the afternoon.

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