In Session: Man pleads not guilty to shooting teen canvassing for Raphael Warnock in 2022

This column is part of a weekly round-up of notable grand jury indictments and court decisions, following through on cases reported by Savannah Morning News public safety reporter Drew Favakeh. If there are cases you're curious about, email Drew atAFavakeh@Gannett.com.

Jimmy Paiz pleads not guilty to shooting Warnock canvasser

The man charged with shooting and injuring a Black teenager who approached his door in December 2022 while canvassing for Sen. Raphael Warnock pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on July 10, according to news reports.

On Dec. 1, 2022, Jimmy Paiz, who was 42 years old at the time, shot Javontae Vann, 15, outside of his Hartridge Street home while Vann was campaigning for Warnock in the runup to the 2022 run-off election. The suspect fired a shot through the closed door, striking the teen. Around 5:35 p.m. officers responded to find Vann, 15 at the time, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Officers quickly identified and located Paiz at the residence. Paiz was booked into the Chatham County jail on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery. On May 31, 2023, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Paiz for the same charges.

Chatham County Superior Court Judge Penny Freesemann previously denied a self-defense claim by attorneys for Paiz.

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.