Kibbee Shooter Sentenced to 20 Years
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Oconee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Howard Kaufold gave Hunter Blake Kersey a twenty-year sentence at his sentencing hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse on Wednesday, February 25.
Kersey, 30, of Montgomery County, recently faced a jury trial for charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault in connection to his involvement with the death of Mason McCarty, 23, of Vidalia, in 2023.
According to GBI Region 12 Field Office Special Agent in Charge Lindsey Wilkes, the GBI was requested to assist in an investigation of a shooting that occurred after an altercation near Jake McCaw Road at around 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
On the day of the shooting, upon authorities’ arrival, McCarty was driven by ambulance to a field adjacent to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church on North Old Kibbee Road where AirEvac landed and attempted to transport the patient to Savannah. Due to complications, the individual was transported by ambulance to Memorial Health Meadows Hospital, where he was stabilized then transferred by AirEvac to Memorial Health University Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, law enforcement determined that McCarty and Kersey were involved in a confrontation when the shooting occurred. Previously, Kersey claimed that he acted in self-defense, but after further inquiry into the case, the GBI found evidence to charge Kersey with murder and aggravated assault.
Oconee Judicial District Superior Court Judge Howard Kaufold presided over the case, as Assistant District Attorney Chad Pritchett served as the case’s prosecutor, arguing that Kersey’s use of a gun was not only an excessive use of force, but also influenced by his own negative feelings about McCarty, while Kersey’s attorney David Pittman stated that Kersey was acting in self defense after being attacked by McCarty while attempting to help rescue his brother-in-law from the ditch.
Throughout the trial, questions arose regarding the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office’s investigative procedures throughout the case, as agents, deputies, and dispatchers were questioned about DNA testing, body camera footage, and call recording. Several eyewitnesses also testified in the case, as each shared their perspective of the incident.
Pittman motioned for immunity during the trial multiple times – which would dismiss the criminal charges on the basis of self defense – but the motion was denied by Judge Kaufold. Following the last denial of the motion, Pittman shared with the court that he intended to file for a new trial.
After four days of testimonies and a few hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of “not guilty” of malice murder and felony murder, as they were unable to convict Kersey of the crimes without the presence of reasonable doubt. However, the jury did return a “guilty” verdict for the aggravated assault charge, which is punishable by sentences of one year to twenty years.
During the sentencing hearing, several of the victim’s friends and family members shared how their life had been affected by the shooting.
Each of McCarty’s loved ones emphasized the sorrow felt by his children and nephew, as they recounted stories of Mason’s son talking about his father, which he said “[was] in a graveyard.” McCarty’s girlfriend Anna Faircloth informed the Judge about McCarty’s harmless nature and the heartbreak she feels since he passed away before he was able to see his daughter be born.
McCarty’s sister-inlaw Alana Johnson read a statement on behalf of Mc-Carty’s sister Macy Johnson, as she stated that Mc-Carty’s best quality was his love for laughter and smiling, and that life was much duller now that McCarty was gone.
McCarty’s stepmother Deidre McCarty recounted the day of his death, as she stated it had been a day of joy because of Mc-Carty’s decision to come visit the family with his son. She said that McCarty died within 30 minutes of her seeing him, as he was taken away from his children, sister, and parents. She emphasized that no one wins in the situation, and that she hates that Kersey made a decision that would affect so many. She addressed Kersey, telling him that she prays that he finds God and seeks forgiveness from those he harmed and hurt.
McCarty’s sister Cherie Hodges stated that all parties in the case had known each other for a long time, making the incident heartbreaking and divisive to the community. She told the Judge that the comments during the trial about Mason being aggressive or an alcoholic were untrue, and that he often apologized when he made mistakes. She spoke of her heartbreak for McCarty’s children and nephew, and emphasized that she hopes in the future that the truth about what happened the day of the shooting will come to light.
After McCarty’s loved ones shared their thoughts and statements, Kersey’s family and friends took the stand to testify to his character.
Kersey’s mother Delores Kersey began her statement by explaining that she did not believe her child was perfect and acknowledged that he made mistakes, but still felt that he was an honorable man. She highlighted Kersey’s devotion as a son, father, and husband, as she emphasized that sentencing him to prison would devastate his family who depend on him financially, emotionally, and spiritually. She spoke of her heartbreak for the McCarty family, as she told them that she prayed for peace and comfort for them.
A statement by Kersey’s sister was also read by his mother Delores, as the sister penned that she was shocked to learn of the shooting because she felt that the action was out of character for him. She recounted a story of her recent visit home, during which she fell and hurt both ankles and Kersey – regardless continued from page
of his own back and neck injuries – ran through the mud to carry his sister to safety. She stated that she understood the tragedy of the situation, but felt that her brother was a valuable member of society because of the helping hand he was to his family, children, and community.
Kersey’s cousins Megan Allen and Moriah Driggers spoke of Kersey’s gentle nature, as they asked the judge to consider his character, which was consistently selfless and giving. Driggers encouraged Kaufold to see Kersey not as a murderer, but as a man who made a decision in a frightening circumstance.
Kersey’s grandparents and friends continued to share statements about his nature, each echoing his reputation as a hard worker, a generous friend, and a dedicated family man.
Kersey also submitted a record of therapy that he had completed while awaiting trial. His lawyer David Pittman requested that Judge Kaufold give Hunter first offender status and sentence him to probation, as he argued that Kersey is not a threat to society, as evidenced through his being out on probation for over two years and having had no incident.
Assistant District Attorney Pritchett opposed this request, as he stated that Kersey gave no mercy during the killing, and although he is not convicted of murder, the Judge could not separate that the assault led to the loss of life. He stressed that by Kersey leaving the scene of the murder, he treated McCarty mercilessly and therefore, deserved no mercy. Pritchett requested that the maximum sentence – 20 years in prison – be given by the Judge.
Judge Kaufold spoke to Kersey about the potential of first offender status, as he asked Kersey why he believed he was worthy of such. Kersey told the judge that he felt that he posed no threat to the community and strives to care for the people around him. Pittman added that Kersey desires to return to society and become employed without a felony record.
After spending several minutes thinking in his chambers, Judge Kaufold returned to the courtroom, where he sentenced Kersey to twenty years of supervision, 5 of which must be served in prison and a $5,000 fine. After 5 years, depending on his behavior, Kersey will be eligible for parole to finish out his sentencing. Kaufold did grant Kersey first offender status, meaning that any record of the felony will be erased after the completion of the sentence.
Kersey immediately began serving his sentence, as he returned to the Department of Corrections’ custody.
