The Knox County District Attorney’s Office has dropped all charges against Ahmad Gatlin, who was previously convicted of attempted murder in connection with a 2021 shooting involving students from Austin-East Magnet High School.
Mr. Gatlin was convicted after a jury trial in 2023. However, Stephens & DiRado did not stop advocating for Mr. Gatlin and continued working to secure his freedom. Martha Dinwiddie represented Mr. Gatlin in a lengthy motion for a new trial hearing in May 2025, presenting newly discovered evidence indicating that Mr. Gatlin was not present at the scene of the shooting.
Following the hearing, the State agreed that Mr. Gatlin was entitled to a new trial. Judge Steven Sword granted the motion for a new trial, and Mr. Gatlin’s convictions were vacated. Shortly thereafter, the State dismissed all of Mr. Gatlin’s charges. Mr. Gatlin was released from custody and was reunited with his family in June 2025.
The Knox County District Attorney's Office has dropped charges against Ahmad Gatlin, who was previously convicted of attempted murder in connection with a 2021 shooting involving students from Austin-East Magnet High School. This decision follows a recent judicial ruling that overturned Gatlin's conviction and ordered a new trial.