PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. – On February 5, 2022, Paulding E-911 received a call from individuals located at 258 Old Locklear Road Dallas, GA 30132 in reference to a female who had just been shot.

Once Deputies arrived, it was determined that the victim, later identified as Shana Nicole Dover W/F, 35 YOA, had succumbed to injuries that were sustained by multiple gunshot wounds.

After further investigation, Deputies were able to determine that some type of dispute occurred before their arrival, and as a result, they arrested the suspect, later identified as Justin Blane Smart, W/M, 32 YOA, who was still at the residence.

On May 2, 2024, a Paulding County Jury convicted Justin Smart of Voluntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

Judge David Lyles presided over the trial.

On May 17, 2024, Justin Smart was sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison for taking the life of Shana “Nicole” Dover, on February 5, 2022.

Sheriff Gary Gulledge would like to commend the efforts of all involved in this case including the deputies and detectives with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the prosecutors and investigators with the Paulding District Attorney’s Office.