The Avondale Estates police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man following a high-speed chase in 2013 has been promoted to chief.
A civil grand jury recommended Sgt. Lynn Thomas be indicted for the death of 20-year-old Jayvis Benjamin, a suspected car thief. But after a lengthy investigation, DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James decided against prosecuting the veteran officer, concluding Benjamin was the aggressor and deadly force was justified.
“We clearly have a scenario here where the officer is defending himself,” James told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in March. “He did not want to fight Jayvis Benjamin.”
James said his prosecutors failed to properly inform the civil grand jury about use-of-force guidelines. Also, Thomas declined to testify.
A press release from Avondale Estates stated Thomas, who joined the department in 2002, “has worked tirelessly to help make the city a safe and secure place for residents and the community.”
A more complete story will be posted later on myajc.com.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
With the largest team in the state, the AJC reports what’s really going on with your tax dollars and your elected officials. Subscribe today. Visit the AJC's Georgia Navigator for the latest in Georgia politics.
Your subscription to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism. Visit the AJC's Georgia Navigator for the latest in Georgia politics.