A mistrial was declared in the trial for a defendant accused of killing a man in a fight over the $5 cover to a DeKalb County hookah lounge.

One of the jurors allegedly used a cell phone during deliberations, leading to the mistrial, Channel 2 Action News reported Wednesday.

David Jacobs, 31, is accused of shooting Keith Butler in 2013 at Cloud 6 Hookah Lounge off Farrington Road outside Lithonia.

There’s no word on when another trial might be scheduled.

Jacobs remains in the county jail. He was previously granted $100,000 bond but hasn't posted it, according to jail records.

Police have said Jacobs fled to New Jersey shortly after Butler was killed.

He was arrested there and extradited to Georgia.

Like DeKalb County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter and Instagram

About the Author

Keep Reading

The homeless encampment on Pryor Street, beneath the Interstate 20 underpass in downtown Atlanta, is shown on Thursday, May 1, 2025, four days before the city closed the camp and offered housing to its occupants. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com