Macon Woman Acquitted in 2017 Shooting Death of Husband, Claims Self-Defense

A Macon woman was found not guilty in the 2017 shooting death of her husband, after the jury accepted the defense’s claim of self-defense.

Tenita Shoats stood trial for the death of her husband, Vernon Shoats, who was shot and killed at their shared residence in the Hidden Lake Apartments. During the proceedings, evidence presented revealed a history of domestic abuse within the couple’s relationship. It was disclosed that Vernon Shoats, a veteran, suffered from PTSD and had not taken his prescribed medication on the night of the incident.

According to the case report, Vernon approached Tenita with a gun, prompting her to grab the weapon in an attempt to protect herself. The defense argued that she acted in self-defense when she pulled the trigger.

Following the jury’s deliberation, they returned with a verdict of not guilty. In a statement, the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office expressed respect for the jury’s decision while highlighting the need for a broader conversation about domestic violence in the community. They emphasized that resources are available for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, directing people to organizations such as Central Georgia’s Crisis Line and Safe House at 478-745-9292, as well as the Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-334-2836.