Overview

• Senior Judge Henry M. Newkirk initially said “guilty” before immediately correcting the record to “not guilty” on all six counts.
• Jurors and spectators reacted audibly, with panel members speaking up to flag the mistake captured on local broadcast video.
• Oliver, 26, was acquitted of murder, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and a firearm charge in the December 2022 shooting of Deputy James Thomas Jr., 24.
• The defense argued self-defense, saying Thomas approached Oliver multiple times in his car and made sexual advances as Oliver walked home.
• The Fulton County district attorney’s office said it respects the verdict, and the judge told Oliver, “Good luck to you,” before dismissing the jury.