Attorneys for three suspects in the 2020 shooting at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover are preparing for their separate trials.
In July 2020, 8-year-old Royta Giles, Jr. was killed at the mall. Two adults and another child were also injured. Montez Coleman, King Williams and Demetrius Jackson, Jr. were all charged in the shooting.
They are charged with capital murder of a person under the age of 14 and three counts of second-degree assault.
Attorneys for all three suspects have claimed self-defense.
Coleman's trial is scheduled for June 10, King Williams' trial is scheduled for July 29, and Jackson's trial is scheduled for September 29.
Giles was a student at Jonesboro Elementary School in Bessemer. He was in the mall with his family, waiting to go into a store that had COVID restrictions, when he was shot in the head.
Following the shooting, Hoover Police officer Schylur Parrish explained what he saw when he responded to the scene.
"I quickly ran into the danger not thinking of anything but the innocents inside that were in danger," Parrish remembered. "As I was walking through the building checking for the danger, I noticed a sweet, beautiful baby boy laying on the floor hurt and it was bad. I quickly jumped into action. 'Schylur, you have to save this baby,' as I sat there holding him treating him with the first aid I knew."
"I did my best," he continued. "I tried my best. The medics finally got there after what seemed forever. I am sorry, my sweet angel. I'm sorry that the evil In the world found you. You will always be with me."
Police said they believed the shooting stemmed from a previous argument.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Giles' mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Those named in the lawsuit are Mike White, the general manager of the Riverchase Galleria at the time of the shooting, Andy Frain Services, Inc., a security company, and Brookfield Properties Retail, Inc., the owner and operator of the Riverchase Galleria.
Since the shooting, the Riverchase Galleria has added security, including a K9 unit through Allied Universal Security Services.
The Riverchase Galleria also has a Code of Conduct, which includes rules and guidelines for mall goers. Some of the prohibited activities include:
Violations of the law
Any activity that threatens the safety of our guests, tenants and/or employees
Any activity that threatens the well-being of the property
Any activity that disrupts our pleasant, family-oriented shopping environment
Any activity inconsistent with the general purpose of the property, which is shopping, dining, visiting theaters or offices for business purposes
Any activity that would disrupt the legitimate business of the property and its tenants
Anyone who violates the rules or acts irresponsibly may be asked to leave the mall and could be arrested.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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