Jury selection was underway Friday in the case of the woman accused of a 2022 Midtown Atlanta shooting spree that left two men dead and another man wounded, a violent afternoon that locked down part of the city and sparked a frantic manhunt.
Prospective jurors spent the day fielding questions as attorneys probed for bias, background and anything else that might sway their view of the case, according to 11Alive. The outlet reports the process could stretch over several days as both sides exercise challenges and work through routine voir dire.
What Happened In Midtown
The shootings unfolded on Aug. 22, 2022, starting inside the management office at the 1280 West condominium and continuing at an office tower on Peachtree Street, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Two men, Michael Shinners and Wesley Freeman, were killed, and a third man was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with injuries.
Arrest At The Airport
Investigators tracked the suspect to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and arrested her there without incident, according to a press release from the Atlanta Police Department. Surveillance footage and tips from public-safety partners helped officers find her within hours of the Midtown attacks, the department said.
Charges And Indictment
A Fulton County grand jury later handed up an indictment with more than a dozen counts - including two counts of murder, two counts of felony murder, several counts of aggravated assault and multiple firearm charges - FOX 5 Atlanta reported. The accused has remained in custody since her arrest and was denied bond in 2022.
Why The Case Was Delayed
The prosecution stalled for years amid questions about competency and mental health. The defendant was ruled not competent to stand trial in mid-2024 and sent for evaluation, according to ruled not competent to stand trial. With jury selection now moving forward, the case has returned to Fulton County Superior Court for its next phase, 11Alive reports.
What To Watch Next
Attorneys are expected to continue questioning potential jurors as the court works to see whether a full panel can be seated this week. If a jury is selected, the trial schedule will depend on how many challenges remain and whether any pretrial motions are still hanging over the case. Families of the victims and Midtown residents who lived through the 2022 lockdown are expected to keep a close eye on the proceedings, as previously detailed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
