Suspect Found Dead After Manhunt for Fatal Shooting of 4 Neighbors in Georgia
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that the man suspected of killing four of his neighbors in Hampton, Georgia, was shot dead after a extensive manhunt. The Henry County Sheriff, Reginald B. Scandrett, announced at a press conference that “the monster is dead,” bringing some relief to the entire state of Georgia.
Law enforcement successfully tracked the suspect, Andre Longmore, to an area near the border of Henry and Clayton counties, approximately 20 miles south of Atlanta. Scandrett revealed that there were two exchanges of gunfire between officers and the suspect before he was ultimately “neutralized” and declared dead.
The manhunt was prompted by the fatal shooting of four residents on Dogwood Lakes Drive and Dogwood Ridge on Saturday morning. The victims were identified as Scott Levitt (67), Shirley Levitt (66), Steve Blizzard (65), and Ronald Jeffers (66). Hampton Police Chief James Turner noted that Longmore resided in the same community as the victims, and the GMC Acadia SUV he was driving had been stolen from Steve Blizzard.
Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the killings, and the community of Hampton is left grieving. The Hampton City Manager, Alex Cohilas, expressed gratitude that no further loss of life occurred and acknowledged the resolution of the situation.
Chief Turner mentioned that Hampton, with a population of over 8,000, had last reported a homicide in 2018 and was considered one of the safest communities in the state. The violence on Saturday was an abnormal occurrence for the city.
Sheriff Scandrett revealed that a few law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. The most serious injury was sustained by an officer who was struck in the back by gunfire. However, the officer was conscious and expected to survive. Another officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the killing spree and the law enforcement response to the incident.
