More than two years after Kaitlyn Jenkins and Quantasia Grant were killed in a mass shooting at a 21st birthday party, progress in the case remains stalled, frustrating the court and attorneys alike.
Ashton Elliott, one of five people charged in connection with the 2023 shooting, has been out on bond since his arrest in early 2023. However, during a Wednesday status call hearing on his case, the prosecutors and defense admitted that key evidence from the sheriff's office has yet to be turned over — halting the discovery process entirely.
Prosecutors were the first to acknowledge the lack of new evidence. Elliott's defense team described the situation as a "nightmare," citing complications caused by the number of law enforcement agencies involved.
Though both teams say they are working diligently with the sheriff's department, the presiding judge was surprised and concerned. He questioned how the case could be at a standstill after two years. He told both sides that if there is no progress at the next status call in 90 days, he will call in leadership from the sheriff's office to address the issue himself.
Elliott's attorneys also requested the removal of his ankle monitor, citing good behavior over the past two years. The judge declined to consider the request without a formal motion, noting the seriousness of the murder charges.
As of now, prosecutors were unable to provide a timeline for when the case will be ready for trial. The defense estimated the earliest possible trial date could be sometime in 2026.
