ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards said the murder of Jawaski Kennedy, 28, was the result of gang retaliation for a double murder that happened just four days prior.

Edwards made the remarks Aug. 12 during opening statements in the murder trial for Shaquille Mathis, who Edwards said fired the deadly shot while driving a borrowed rental car. He said a witness claims Mathis shot Kennedy in the head.

Shaquille Mathis’ brother, Carlos Mathis, and their mother, Shawanda Mathis, were originally charged in connection with the murder, but all charges against them were dismissed Monday.

Court records showed “although probable cause existed for the arrests, and the indictment of these defendants... the state believes that the best interests of justice and the judicial efficiency are served by the continuing prosecution of the remaining defendant, Shaquille Mathis.”

During opening statements, Edwards painted a picture of a violent, years-long war between two Albany gangs: the Bloods and Rattlers. He said Mathis targeted Kennedy as retaliation for a gang-related double murder on Oct. 13, 2020.

Wontania Hall, 26, and D’Varri Canady, 14, were found dead at an apartment on Wingate Avenue in Albany.

In her opening statement, Defense Attorney Angela Dillon told the jury no witnesses will testify to have seen Mathis fire the deadly shot.

Before opening statements, Superior Court Judge Victoria Darrisaw addressed prosecutors’ concerns about cameras in the courtroom during the trial. A witness scheduled to testify for the state was reportedly taken into protective custody before the trial over fears of retaliation.

WALB voluntarily decided not to cover the trial with cameras in order to protect the identity of the witness.

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