MOULTRIE — A woman accused of murder is seeking immunity in the case, claiming she acted in self-defense.
A hearing on Katelyn Ireland’s motion began Monday morning in Colquitt County Superior Court.
Ireland is charged in the shooting death of Jason Chad McCollum, which took place Dec. 17, 2022.
Witnesses at Monday’s hearing said McCollum and his wife, Chantel McCollum, who were recently separated, were involved in an altercation. The witnesses said Jason McCollum began to approach Ireland aggressively.
Chantel’s eldest son, who is now 17 years old, testified that Ireland repeatedly directed Jason to stop approaching.
The young man said Ireland fired her weapon when Jason continued to approach her.
Chantel McCollum, who also testified during Monday’s hearing, said her view was obstructed when the shot was taken.
Colquitt County Sheriff Rod Howell was also called to the stand Monday. He said he encountered Chantel McCollum and Ireland at a charity softball event one week before the shooting, and they showed him texts and pictures indicating domestic disputes. A longtime acquaintance of Jason McCollum, the sheriff was not involved in the investigation of the shooting.
The hearing ended shortly before 5 p.m. Monday without resolution. More witnesses are expected to be called when it resumes at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the courtroom at the Colquitt County Jail.