Hoover, Alabama – Three suspects in the tragic 2020 shooting at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover are preparing for their upcoming individual trials. The incident, which took place in July 2020, resulted in the death of 8-year-old Royta Giles, Jr., with two adults and another child sustaining injuries. The accused individuals, Montez Coleman, King Williams, and Demetrius Jackson, Jr., face charges of capital murder of a person under 14 and three counts of second-degree assault.
Legal representatives for all three suspects have asserted claims of self-defense. The trials for Coleman, Williams, and Jackson have been scheduled for June 10, July 29, and September 29, respectively. Giles, a student at Jonesboro Elementary School in Bessemer, was at the mall with his family when the tragic event unfolded while waiting to enter a store that had COVID restrictions imposed.
Following the shooting, Hoover Police officer Schylur Parrish recounted his response upon arriving at the scene. Despite the harrowing circumstances, Parrish described his immediate actions to try and save the young victim with the limited first aid resources available to him. Authorities believe that the shooting incident was a result of a previous altercation.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. In response to the tragedy, Giles’ mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit naming individuals and entities associated with the Riverchase Galleria at the time of the shooting. Additionally, security measures at the Riverchase Galleria have since been enhanced, including the deployment of a K9 unit through Allied Universal Security Services.
The mall has also implemented a Code of Conduct outlining prohibited activities to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for visitors. Any individuals found violating these rules may be asked to leave the premises or face potential legal repercussions. The tragic incident at the Riverchase Galleria has prompted a renewed focus on safety and security measures within the premises to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.