SAVANNAH, Ga. — A jury trial is set to commence on Monday for 45-year-old Jimmy Paiz, who faces serious charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery. The case stems from a shooting incident involving a 15-year-old campaign worker for Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock that occurred in December 2022.
The shooting unfolded in the vicinity of the 500 block of Hartridge Street. Paiz claims he believed the teen was an intruder at his home. According to police reports, the teenager suffered a minor gunshot wound to his left thigh. Paiz pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment in July 2022.
In a significant development, court filings revealed that Paiz expressed remorse in a letter addressed to the victim. In the correspondence, he stated he would bear lifelong shame for his actions and reiterated that he perceived the youth as a threat rather than a campaigner. “I am so very sorry, young man. I am sincerely ashamed to have hurt you,” he wrote, acknowledging the victim’s commitment to community service.
The letter also emphasized that the incident was not born of malice, but rather a misunderstanding stemming from his feelings of being threatened. Paiz described a scenario in which he wished he could have welcomed the teenager as a friend instead of responding with violence.
Senator Warnock commented on the incident the day after it occurred. Expressing his sorrow, he offered prayers for the young victim and his family as the situation developed further.
Following his arrest, Paiz was released on bond but remains under strict conditions, including house arrest and a prohibition on possessing firearms or dangerous weapons. A Chatham County judge mandated that he continue undergoing mental health treatment as part of his release conditions.
As the trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defense are preparing for what is expected to be a closely watched case that raises questions about public safety, self-defense, and mental health issues. The jury trial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on July 13 in the courtroom of Judge Christopher K. Middleton.
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