Man Accused Of Shooting Friend To Death Arrested, Charged With Murder: Paulding Sheriff

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — A man faces murder and aggravated assault charges after sheriff's deputies say he shot and killed his friend following some type of dispute, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office said.

At 11:39 p.m. Feb. 5, Paulding deputies got a 911 call reporting a woman who had just been shot. The person said the female victim had been shot by her brother, and they were both intoxicated. Bystanders on scene attempted life-saving measures, the sheriff's office said.

Once deputies arrived on scene, they found the victim — later identified as Shana Nicole Dover, 35 — died from multiple gunshot wounds.

After further investigation, deputies determined the victim and suspect were not blood related, "but rather very close friends that refer to each other as brother and sister," the sheriff's office said.

Deputies arrested Justin Blane Smart, 32, and charged him with felony aggravated assault and felony murder. He was taken to the Paulding County jail, where he remains without bond.

As the investigation continues, more charges are likely, according to the sheriff's office. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the sheriff's office's Criminal Investigations Tip Line at 770-443-3047 or via the Paulding Sheriff mobile app.