TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - The District Attorney’s Office has completed its review of the Jan. 5 shooting in the parking lot of the Walmart off Highway 82 in Tifton.

On Jan. 13, a grand jury voted to not indict Robert G. Wright, 24, who was previously charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery in connection to the shooting, according to a release.

WALB previously reported that Wright was arrested and charged after shooting Keith King, 42, after King approached him in the parking lot following a near collision at the intersection of Highway 82 and McCormick Drive.

After the near collision, King followed Wright into the Walmart parking lot, exited his vehicle, and approached Wright’s car. Wright then drew a pistol and fired multiple times at King.

The grand jury, having carefully considered the evidence presented, determined that the actions of the individual were consistent with Georgia’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which permits the use of force in self-defense under certain circumstances. Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation have also concluded that the shooting was justified as an act of self-defense, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Based on surveillance video recovered by law enforcement, Wright dropped off his girlfriend at Walmart where she works, and then attempted to leave.

Wright had his one-year-old daughter in the car at the time of the incident, according to the release.

Using his truck, King partially blocked Wright’s vehicle from leaving, and then King exited his vehicle and approached Wright’s car in a threatening manner while yelling obscenities.

Wright then drew a pistol and fired at King several times, striking King at least three times.

Wright then parked his vehicle and attempted to make contact with his girlfriend.

According to the release, after realizing that he still had his pistol in his hand, he secured it back in his vehicle and then called 911 to report the shooting.

Wright stayed on-scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement, stating he felt he had no other choice than to shoot King to protect himself and his daughter.

“While the events surrounding this incident are deeply concerning, we are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the law is applied fairly and impartially. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with law enforcement to maintain the safety of our community. We understand that incidents like this can raise difficult questions, and we are dedicated to transparency and accountability in the pursuit of justice. Our office will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents in our community,” said Acting District Attorney Patrick Warren.

Previous coverage:

• Traffic incident leads to shooting in Walmart parking lot in Tifton
• Tifton Police investigate road rage shooting outside of Walmart

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