GBI release new details in deadly Troup County deputy-involved shooting

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Authorities have released the names of those involved in a deadly deputy-involved shooting in Troup County Thursday afternoon.

Sam Burt, 65, was shot by deputies with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the LaGrange Police Department Thursday afternoon after a brief manhunt. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said deputies and officers encountered Burt, who was armed, at a dock on West Point Lake. The GBI said they gave commands for Burt to drop the weapon, but he did not, instead, he raised it towards the officers. The GBI said the officers opened fire, striking him multiple times. Despite life-saving measures, Burt died at the scene. No officers were injured.

Deputies said two dogs, who were with Burt at the time, died during the incident. Another dog was injured.

Deputies said Burt was wanted in connection to the death of his sister. Deputies were called out to the 5000 block of Riverside Lane around 2:49 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a woman shot. Deputies found 68-year-old Sally Harrison dead from an apartment gunshot wound. Her husband, who was inside, said he saw her brother run into the woods towards the lake. Deputies and officers then gave chase.

Investigators are trying to determine a motive.

The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies on both Harrison and Burt.

The GBI was asked to look into the officer-involved shooting. The findings will be turned over to the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Agents said this is the 56th such shooting they have been asked to investigate this year.

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