A birthday celebration at a Decatur restaurant took a tragic turn, resulting in the death of 48-year-old Daletavious McGuire. On the evening of June 10, 2022, McGuire was at Fletcher's Place Bar and Grill, located at The Gallery at South DeKalb mall, celebrating his mother's 71st birthday with family. What began as a joyous occasion descended into violence when an argument erupted, leading to a fatal shooting.
The dispute reportedly began when a man, later identified as James Elderidge
Scott, 49, of Valdosta, brushed up against the fiancée of one of the party's attendees. An argument ensued between Scott and the other man. Despite attempts by onlookers to de-escalate the situation, Scott pulled out a handgun and began firing. In the ensuing chaos, four people were struck by gunfire. McGuire was fatally wounded, while three other men were left in serious to critical condition. After the shooting, Scott was seen on surveillance video grabbing a pitcher of beer and walking out into the parking lot, where several cars were also shot.
Following the incident, DeKalb County police launched an investigation. They released a surveillance photo of the suspect to the public, described as a bald man between 30 and 40 years old with possible facial hair on his chin. An anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta identified the shooter as James E. Scott. Further investigation, including DNA evidence from a straw hat and neon vest matching the suspect's attire found near the scene, linked Scott to the crime. He was arrested on June 28, 2022.
James Elderidge Scott faced a jury trial and was found guilty of multiple charges, including Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault. On September 26, 2025, a DeKalb County Superior Court Judge sentenced Scott to Life Without the Possibility of Parole, plus an additional 96 years in prison for his role in the deadly shooting.
