Georgia Man Faces Felony Murder Charge After Shooting Veteran

A man in Georgia has been charged with felony murder after allegedly killing a veteran following a Veteran’s Day celebration.  

Jeremy Scarth, who was reported to have fatally shot 40-year-old D’Angelo Shaw, was charged by a grand jury in Chatham County on Jan. 28. 

According to police, Scarth, 45, shot the veteran behind Lucky’s Pub in Savannah in the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 2025. Along with the felony murder charge, Scarth also faces charges of malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. 

Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Shaw spent 12 years in the Army, becoming a platoon sergeant and paratrooper. He served in combat in Afghanistan and was also stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

“We were just there for each other,” Collins told the Savannah Morning News. “He had a rough transition from his time from the military to the civilian world, and he was there for mine.”

Homeless Veteran Overcomes Odds 

Known for being friendly and community oriented, Shaw was nicknamed “Akon,” for his uncanny resemblance to the R&B and Hip-Hop artist.

The veteran was also heavily involved in local motorcycle and veterans’ groups, according to close friend James Collins. Collins, also a veteran, founded Heroes in the Sky with Shaw, a foundation that supports veterans, first responders, and active-duty personnel, promoting mental health and suicide awareness. 

Collins, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, met Shaw while working out at a fitness center in Statesboro, Georgia, soon realizing they shared a lot in common. 

“We were just there for each other,” Collins told the Savannah Morning News. “He had a rough transition from his time from the military to the civilian world, and he was there for mine.”

Shaw left the military following medical retirement in 2017. The years ahead proved difficult. Shaw struggled through homelessness, using free Wi-Fi to take online college courses and volunteering at Planet Fitness. Battling anxiety and depression, working out at the gym provided the healthy outlet he needed.  

But the veteran forged ahead, eventually earning a promotion to general manager at a Planet Fitness in Chatham County before he died. He had also completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was pursuing a master’s degree. 

“Planet Fitness gave me a second chance in life by not only giving me employment, but another chance to lead—this time with like-minded employees and help them become leaders in the future,” Shaw said in a 2021 interview. 

Supporting four children, Shaw worked multiple jobs to put food on the table, including as a DJ and security guard at Lucky’s Pub. He was working security the night Scarth allegedly approached him and shot him to death. 

Scarth fled the scene but was apprehended later in the day by the Chatham County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. 

“He showed the community that even though you may be going through tough times or there are mountains and challenges in front of you, you don’t have to let your personal situation keep you from achieving your goals,” Collins said.

A ‘Man of Courage’ 

Following Shaw’s untimely death, a memorial was held in Savannah to honor his life on Jan. 11. The memorial’s poster read: “A devoted soldier, a loving father, and a cherished son – a man of courage, honor and heart. Though he was taken from us far too soon, his impact remains forever.” 

Shaw’s murder was especially difficult for his Heroes in the Sky colleagues, who questioned why this tragedy happened. 

Meanwhile, the veteran’s alleged killer awaits his fate. Scarth will return to court on March 27 for an arraignment.