The criminal charges against former North Shore Senior High School star safety and University of Georgia football commit Chace Calicut were dismissed Wednesday, with the defense and an activist representing him saying prosecutors determined there was not enough evidence to move forward.
Court records show the case was dismissed as the District Attorney’s Office continues reviewing the matter. Documents list the explanation for the dismissal as: “State to do further investigation. Subject to refile.”
The DA’s Office declined to comment.
Calicut had been facing a felony charge of aggravated assault stemming from a shooting investigation in Harris County. The incident happened in July 2025.
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Civil rights activist Quanell X, who has spoken publicly on Calicut’s behalf, exclusively told KPRC 2 that he believes the dismissal was the correct outcome after a full review of the evidence.
“I believe that the DA made the right decision,” Quanell X said in a phone call with KPRC 2’s Michael Horton. “Mr. Calicut never committed the crime that night. And I believe that after evaluating all of the evidence, it was in the best interest of justice to dismiss the charges.”
When asked about Calicut’s future at the University of Georgia, Quanell X said, “He will be leaving for Georgia soon.”
As of Thursday, Calicut remains listed as an official hard commit in Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class on 247Sports.
According to 247’s composite rankings, Calicut is a four-star recruit with 34 offers, including Georgia and other football powerhouses like Texas, Oregon and Alabama. His highest composite rating on the site was recorded on July 16, 2025—just days before his arrest.
KPRC 2 reached out to the University of Georgia’s athletic department and football department for comment but did not receive a response.
As previously mentioned, prosecutors have indicated the case could be refiled pending further investigation, though Calicut’s legal team says the decision reflects an evidentiary shortfall.
Statement from Calicut’s defense attorney
Defense attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins said the dismissal reflects a meaningful turning point for Calicut.
“We are very grateful for the District Attorney’s Office decision to dismiss Chace’s case,” Quinones-Hollins said in a phone call with KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry. “Chace has learned a valuable lesson as a result of this experience. He is not the same person he was when he went into it. It has made him more cautious and careful.”
Quinones-Hollins acknowledged prosecutors have said the case could be refiled but said that does not alter the defense’s position.
“I understand they say it’s subject to refile, and we certainly respect that, but it doesn’t change our position that we are grateful for the decision that was made,” she said. “He is looking forward to going to college, beginning his football career, and living out his dreams that he’s worked so hard to achieve.”
Quinones-Hollins said she does not yet know when Calicut will head to the University of Georgia, explaining that the pending criminal case had “thwarted” that process and delayed next steps.
Background on the investigation
The shooting under investigation occurred July 6, 2025, along Kuykendahl Road.
Authorities allege Calicut was driving a Cadillac Escalade with North Shore teammate Isaiah Phillip as a passenger when they encountered another vehicle driven by people they were familiar with.
Investigators said the other driver reported Calicut drove erratically and brake-checked him in an attempt to force the vehicle to stop. The driver also claimed a firearm was pointed at him from inside the Escalade.
As the victim drove away, they reported hearing gunshots believed to have come from Calicut’s vehicle. A witness told investigators they saw the SUV slam on its brakes and observed Phillip firing a gun from the passenger-side window toward the other vehicle.
Phillip was later shot and killed on July 21 in an unrelated incident in Harris County.
Disputed accounts
Quanell X has consistently disputed investigators’ version of events, maintaining that Calicut was not an aggressor.
“He was a victim that night, not a criminal,” Quanell X previously said at a press conference following Calicut’s arrest.
While prosecutors have not outlined what additional investigative steps may be taken, court records indicate the case was dismissed in a manner that allows for the possibility of refiling.