Jury Convicts Aaron Jujuan Shelton Of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault On Law Enforcement Officers,...

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July 10, 2023

Jury Convicts Aaron Jujuan Shelton Of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault On Law Enforcement Officers, And Other Charges

July 10, 2023 Birmingham, Al.

(The press release below was issued by the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office)

On July 7, 2023, a Carroll County jury returned a verdict of guilty against Aaron JuJuan Shelton, 25, of Birmingham, Alabama, for multiple counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officers, Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officers, Felony Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and other charges. Superior Court Judge Erica Tisinger presided over the trial and will sentence the defendant on July 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jep Bendinger, Senior Assistant District Attorney Lara Todd, Assistant District Attorney Caley McDonald, and DA Investigator Katia Detwiler. Several law enforcement agencies responded to this crime in real time and many assisted in the investigation and prosecution, including Carrollton Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Villa Rica Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglasville Police Department, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, University of West Georgia Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I commend and thank the men and women in law enforcement from the surrounding jurisdictions who played a part in this case. The evidence presented at trial revealed the following:

On April 12, 2021, at approximately 3:30 a.m., GSP Trooper Zack Pruitt observed a Nissan Sentra driving 111 mph on Interstate 20 Eastbound in Carroll County. Trooper Pruitt initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, and a chase ensued at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Defendant Aaron Shelton was driving the vehicle and his cousin Pier Shelton was in the passenger seat. As the defendant fled from Trooper Pruitt, Pier Shelton fired an AK-47 style rifle at the trooper from the front passenger window. Pier Shelton’s shots hit the trooper’s vehicle and disabled it, but the trooper was uninjured. Local law enforcement agencies were notified of the chase and that shots were fired and responded to the area.

Approximately 30 minutes later, Carrollton Police Department officers identified the vehicle and the Defendant again fled from law enforcement. The chase was led by Carrollton Police Department Sergeant Rob Holloway and Corporal Richard Cheatwood. The defendant fled from the Highway 166 bypass northbound near Newnan Road to Highway 61 northbound, again reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Once again, Pier Shelton fired his weapon from the vehicle at the pursuing police officers. By this time, deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office had also joined the pursuit, and they also took fire. A bullet struck Sgt. Holloway in the head through the windshield of his patrol car, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and strike a utility pole. Carrollton Police Department Officers stopped to render aid and Carroll County Deputies led by Corporal Jamison Troutt and Deputy Mike Reed continued the pursuit.

As the vehicle approached the city of Villa Rica, just south of Whitworth Road, the defendant turned off of Highway 61, and both suspects fled on foot. A perimeter was soon established along Highway 61 and Whitworth Road. Approximately 25 minutes later, Villa Rica Police Department Officer Chase Gordy was fired upon by Pier Shelton while guarding the northern perimeter along Whitworth Road. Officer Gordy was shot in the arm and the leg. Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Troutt and Deputy Jay Repetto immediately went to Officer Gordy’s location and Pier Shelton fired at them, striking Deputy Repetto in the arm. Both deputies returned fire, striking and killing Pier Shelton. Aaron Shelton continued to flee on foot northbound and ultimately hid in the woods. GSP’s aviation unit assisted in locating Aaron Shelton, and he was apprehended by members of the GSP’s SWAT team.

The indictment against Aaron Shelton contained 22 counts. He was charged for his actions as the driver of the vehicle and as a party to the crimes of Pier Shelton. He was also charged with three counts of felony murder for committing felony crimes which led to the death of Pier Shelton. The evidence presented in this case proved, and the jury found, that Aaron Shelton willingly participated in all of the crimes that occurred during this crime spree. In light of this evidence, the jury rejected his claim that he was coerced by Pier Shelton.

This case demonstrates the importance and value of Georgia’s felony murder statute. It is just that Aaron Shelton face a mandatory life sentence for felony murder as a consequence of his being a party to the crime of Pier Shelton’s attempts to kill numerous police officers which resulted in Pier Shelton being killed by law enforcement as they defended themselves.

More importantly, this case serves as a reminder to all of us what every law enforcement officer and their family face every single day that they put on their uniform. Protecting and serving their community means they are willing to put their lives on the line at a moment’s notice. It is too easy to forget and take for granted the bravery exhibited every day by our law enforcement community. We all owe them our thanks and respect every day.

At the conclusion of the Sheltons’ crime spree, three law enforcement officers had been shot and seven had been fired upon. Miraculously, Sgt. Holloway survived being shot in the head and has returned home to his family. These crimes affected the officers involved, their families, their agencies, and our entire community, and it will continue to. I am in awe of the bravery and commitment to service of each of these officers, and all of those who serve

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July 10, 2025

NYSDOT TRACTOR STRUCK

A New York State DOT tractor was struck on interstate 81 in Jefferson County after the driver passed work area signs at an unsafe speed and was not paying attention when the driver in front of him Lane corrected causing him to spin out and strike the dot tractor no serious injuries were reported

00:01:00

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

March 11, 2025

Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after protest for patient rights

Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after she caused them to lose their home healthcare Medicaid program. Hochul is dismantling the home healthcare CDPAP program which will cause tens of thousands of disabled and elderly New Yorkers to lose their benefits, healthcare aides, and many forced to move to assisted living facilities.

This protest is trying to stop her bill before it goes into effect April 1st.

00:00:43

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

February 26, 2025

Former Mayor Under Scrutiny For Asking For Ride

In December 2024, a video surfaced showing former Watertown Mayor Jeffrey Smith receiving a ride home in a police patrol car after a night of holiday drinking. The incident has sparked controversy, with City Councilman Cliff Olney accusing Smith of receiving "preferential treatment" from the Watertown Police Department.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media this week, depicts Smith interacting with officers before being escorted into the patrol car. Councilman Olney contends that such actions undermine public trust and suggest a double standard in law enforcement practices.

In response, Smith has downplayed the incident, stating, "It's not a big deal, I drive on a suspended registration too!" This remark has further fueled the debate, with critics arguing that it reflects a dismissive attitude toward legal obligations and public safety.

The Watertown Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. As discussions continue, the incident ...

00:06:19

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

July 30, 2025

Jefferson County Police Blotter 07/30/25

Watertown Police Blotter
July 22–30, 2025

July 22

Andrew Brian Bourget, 26, 724 Myrtle Ave., Watertown — Arrested at 720 Myrtle Ave. and charged with endangering the welfare of a child (Class A misdemeanor) after allegedly leaving a 2‑year‑old unsupervised for over 43 minutes. Issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 14 in Watertown City Court.

July 28

Charles John Johnson, [age not provided], Watertown — Arrested at 482 Thompson Blvd. and charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration (VTL 512). Ticket returnable Aug. 11 in Watertown City Court.

July 29

Dariyon Montre Hodges, [age not provided], Watertown — Charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd (VTL 511‑02a1). Released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 12 in Watertown City Court.

Robert Roger Fayette, 46, 611 Addison St., Watertown — Arrested at 187 E St. and charged with fourth‑degree criminal mischief (Class A misdemeanor) after allegedly damaging a \$150 Ring Doorbell camera. Processed and released; ...

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

July 16, 2025

Watertown City Police Arrests – July 8–16, 2025

Cathleen Irene Howard (55) – Arrested July 12 at Kinney Drugs, Coffeen St., for Petit Larceny after allegedly stealing \$16.24 worth of merchandise. Released with an appearance ticket for July 28.

Erica Marie Hallisey (45) – Arrested July 14 at First Baptist Church, State St., for Unlawful Possession of Noxious Matter after allegedly inhaling “Dust Off” in public and rendering herself unconscious. Released with an appearance ticket for July 28.

Thomas Henry Folsom (40) – Arrested July 12 at Franklin St. for Disorderly Conduct: Obstructing Traffic (PL 240.20) after allegedly blocking traffic and yelling at motorists. Released with an appearance ticket for July 31.

Megan Elizabeth Dryden (40) – Arrested July 8 at Mo's Diner, Factory St., for Theft of Services after allegedly failing to pay \$32.36 for food. Released with an appearance ticket for July 28.

Paul John Avallone (67) – Arrested July 15 on Polk St. for Failure to Register Social ...

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

July 08, 2025

Watertown Police Department Arrests July 8, 2025

Name: Ricky Hans Pierce, 56
Address: 522 Emerson St, Watertown, NY
Charges:
Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree (Class E Felony)** – On May 29 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Pierce allegedly damaged property valued at \$1,379.75 at Aminomax LLC, 810 Waterman Dr, including forced entry into bait boxes, a mailbox, and a laboratory drop box.
Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Attempted Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor) – On July 7 at approximately 9:26 p.m., officers responded to a residence at 538 Emerson St for a reported disturbance. Pierce allegedly attempted to break into a residence by shattering a window, screen, and blinds after being told not to enter.

Name: Charles William Howard Jr., 57
Address: 140 N Meadow St, Apt 3, Watertown, NY
Charge:
Menacing in the 3rd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor) – On July 5 at approximately 10:38 p.m., officers were called to the defendant’s residence for a ...

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

July 28, 2025

Jefferson County Police Blotter 07/28/25

WATERTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE BLOTTER
Date: July 28, 2025

Frank Joseph Guice, 57, of Watertown, NY
Arrested at 9:00 p.m. on July 25 at 519 Clay St., upstairs, on charges of Menacing in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree. Guice allegedly held a folding knife near a woman’s throat and threatened to kill her during a domestic dispute. Held for arraignment in CAP Court.

Brianna Marie Watts-Chainey, 37, homeless
Arrested at 5:20 p.m. on July 25 at 427 Flower Ave E for Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree. Police say she unlawfully entered a closed garage on private property. Released with an appearance ticket returnable August 14.

Stephen William Tucker, 54, homeless
Arrested at 5:20 p.m. on July 25 at 427 Flower Ave E for Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree and False Personation. Tucker allegedly entered the same garage unlawfully and then gave officers a false name and date of birth. Released with an appearance ticket returnable August 14.

Hamed Saleh-Ali Hamed, 24, of Watertown, NY
Arrested at 10:50 p.m. on July 25 at 430 Factory St. (7-Eleven) for Disorderly Conduct. Accused of causing public alarm by yelling in the parking lot. Released with an appearance ticket.

Khalid Mekhi Baylor, 25, of Monroe, NY
Arrested at 2:12 a.m. on July 26 at Public Square for Disorderly Conduct. Police allege Baylor engaged in violent, threatening behavior, yelling at a bystander and a police officer. Released with an appearance ticket for August 14.

Erik Allan Massey, 38, of Watertown, NY
Arrested at 12:37 p.m. on July 27 at 308 Creekwood Dr. for Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree and Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree. Massey allegedly violated an active order of protection by entering the bedroom of his ex-girlfriend during a domestic incident. Held for arraignment in CAP Court.

Matthew Hobart Lynch, 44, homeless
Arrested on a bench warrant stemming from two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree. He was processed and held for arraignment on July 27.

Richard Scott Frizzell, 21, of Watertown, NY
Issued uniform traffic tickets on July 25 for Driving Without a License and Unsafe Lane Change. Ordered to appear in Watertown City Court on August 8.

Amber Lee Burns, 34, homeless
Arrested at 7:00 a.m. on July 25 for Trespass, a violation. Police say she entered and remained unlawfully at an undisclosed location. Released with an appearance ticket returnable August 14.

NY STATE POLICE BLOTTER – TROOP D, ZONE 3

Jordan James DeMarco Miller, 19, Fort Drum, NY
Involved in a personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Route 126 in the Town of Rutland at 12:44 PM. One person was reported injured. The case was closed.

Noah David Jermyn‑Sanchez, 26, Rochester, NY
Arrested following a domestic dispute in the Town of Orleans near Alexandria Bay. Troopers responded at 3:14 AM and took him into custody by 5:59 AM. Charges are pending. Case remains open.

Joseph James Martin, 24, Watertown, NY
Involved in a property damage-only crash in the Town of Champion at 3:42 PM. The vehicle sustained damage but no injuries were reported. Case closed.

Unnamed Male, Age Withheld, Hastings, NY
Troopers responded to a report of an unattended death at 6:59 AM in the Town of Hastings. The cause was determined to be natural. Investigation remains open pending documentation.

Trash Media Group 2025

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Trash Media Group @atticustrash

July 25, 2025

Watertown Police Department – Arrest Blotter - 07/25/25

Kyle Michael Matthews, 31
Charge: Grand Larceny 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
Details:Arrested at 4:45 AM at 200 W Main St. Matthews, listed as homeless, allegedly stole a 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle valued at \$9,000 from 233 Mill Street.
Court: Arraigned in Watertown City Court at 9:00 AM
Arresting Officer: Sereenah C. George

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Brooklynn Marie Batsford
Charge: Bench Warrant – Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
Details: Arrested by NYSP on 07/23/2025. Allegedly found with a weapon despite prior convictions.
Status: Held for arraignment

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Aaron Loomis Rutter, 39
Charges:

Assault 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
Details: Arrested at 11:51 PM on 07/24/2025 at 908 Superior St. Accused of striking a victim in the head with a plastic lock sheet holder causing injury.
Court: Arraigned in Watertown City Court
Arresting Officer: Hayley E. Maguire

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Billy Joe Barnett-Martin
Charges:

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree
Operating Without Insurance

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
Details: Stopped on 07/24/2025 at 8:18 PM. Released with three UTTs.
Return Court Date: August 12, 2025
Location: Watertown
Officers: Joshua M. O’Hearn, Joseph Giaquinto

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Amanda Lynn Serrano, 42
Charges:

Criminal Mischief 4th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Harassment 2nd Degree (Violation)
Details: Arrested on 07/14/2025 at 4:45 PM at 1011 Huntington St. Accused of damaging property worth \$160 and physically assaulting another person during a domestic incident.
Arresting Officer: Virginia K. Sherrill

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Trash Media Group @atticustrash

July 24, 2025

Broken Promises and Shattered Trust: How VShojo Collapsed in Scandal and Betrayal

By Atticus Trash | Trash Media Group

What started as one of VTubing’s boldest experiments—a talent-first agency built on freedom and transparency—has ended in disgrace, bankruptcy, and legal questions that could shake the industry. VShojo, once celebrated for putting creators first, now stands accused of withholding over $500,000 in charity funds, failing to pay its own talent, and leaving fans and vendors out thousands of dollars on unfulfilled merchandise orders.

The collapse didn’t happen overnight. It’s a story of broken promises, mismanagement, and a desperate gamble that turned into the most explosive scandal VTubing has ever seen.

VShojo launched in 2020 with a unique pitch: unlike other agencies that owned talent IP and dictated every move, VShojo promised freedom and fair pay. Its CEO, Justin “Gunrun” Ignacio, a Twitch founding engineer, sold creators on transparency and trust.

For years, it worked—or at least it looked like it did. Talent rosters grew, conventions featured VShojo panels, and collaborations with major brands made headlines. But the seeds of collapse were planted in September 2024, when VShojo’s brightest star, Ironmouse, decided to break records for a cause close to her heart.

On September 2, 2024, Ironmouse launched a marathon Twitch subathon that would shatter all records: over 300,000 subscriptions, millions of views, and a tidal wave of community goodwill. But this wasn’t just a personal milestone.

It was pitched as a charity event. Half of all revenue from the subathon would go to the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF)—a cause deeply personal to Ironmouse, who has lived her entire adult life battling a severe immune disorder.

The promise wasn’t rumor—it came straight from VShojo leadership:

*“Half of the streaming revenue during the Subathon will be donated.” — Justin Ignacio, CEO of VShojo*

This public commitment set the tone for the entire campaign. Fans subscribed, donated, and spread the word, believing they were funding a life-saving mission.

The final tally? More than $500,000 promised to IDF.

But over a year later, the IDF hadn’t seen a dime.

On July 21, 2025, Ironmouse announced her immediate departure from VShojo in a heartbreaking statement, citing “broken trust” and confirming that the promised charity donation was never delivered.

Her words were blunt:

“I cannot continue to be part of an organization that has withheld funds raised for a charity so close to my heart.”

Fans were stunned. Other VShojo talents began quietly removing branding from their profiles. Rumors of NDAs and unpaid wages poured in. And then the dam broke.

Two days later, Justin Ignacio released a statement admitting full responsibility for VShojo’s failure and announcing the company’s shutdown.

“I acknowledge that some of the money spent by the company was raised in connection with talent activity, which I later learned was intended for a charitable initiative… At the time, we were working hard to raise additional investment capital
to cover our costs… We were unsuccessful.”

But here’s the problem: Justin knew. The receipts don’t lie. That October tweet promising charity wasn’t a misinterpretation. It was a deliberate, public pledge.

This isn’t just bad optics—it’s potential misappropriation of charitable funds, a serious legal and ethical violation.

As more creators broke silence, a grim picture emerged:

Kson: unpaid since September 2024.

Projekt Melody, Zentreya, Haruka Karibu, GEEGA, Henya: reported late or missing payments, forced silence under strict NDAs.

VeiBae: exposed internal secrets after NDAs collapsed, confirming a toxic, financially desperate environment.

What started as one person’s fight for accountability became a mass exodus.

If you thought it ended there, think again. Enter MKRO + Infinikey, the companies behind VShojo’s high-end keyboard collabs. Their July 24 statement revealed a new layer of the scandal:

“All sales and transactions were managed exclusively through the VShojo store… At this time, we have not received an order from VShojo and are actively working to gain clarity.”

Translation: VShojo took fan money for merch, never paid the vendor, and never delivered product details. This includes:

Pre-orders for Projekt Melody and Henya keycap sets.

Earlier in-stock sales for Ironmouse, Zentreya, and Haruka—likely including anime convention sales.

Fans are now scrambling for refunds, with many turning to chargebacks. This isn’t just mismanagement—it’s edging into consumer fraud territory.

By July 25, it was over. VShojo formally announced it was shutting down, citing lack of funds after burning through $11 million in investment.

Justin’s final words to the community?

“I am deeply sorry… You did not deserve this.”

But apologies can’t erase the fact that talents were unpaid, fans were left hanging, and charity funds never reached their destination.

Justin’s Oct 2024 Tweet: Promises half of Ironmouse’s subathon revenue to IDF.

Justin’s July 2025 Shutdown Statement: Claims he only “later learned” funds were for charity.

Both can’t be true. And the timeline suggests something worse: VShojo used earmarked donations as a last-ditch lifeline to keep the lights on.

So what comes next for Vshojo now that operations have ceased?

Legal Trouble: Misuse of charitable funds can trigger state AG investigations and lawsuits.

Civil Liability: Fans and vendors may pursue action for unfulfilled merch orders.

Industry Impact: Sponsors will rethink deals. Creators will demand transparency—and agencies will face scrutiny like never before.

Meanwhile, Ironmouse has raised over $1 million for IDF through a new Tiltify campaign—proving the community’s faith in creators, even as agencies fail them.

Donations continue to flood into ironmouse's charity page, the proceeds going to the Immune Deficiency Foundation.

VShojo promised a revolution. Instead, it delivered the biggest betrayal VTubing has ever seen. Let this be the warning: without transparency and accountability, even the brightest stars can be dragged into darkness.

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