Atlanta Beltline stabbing suspect | What we know about Johnathan Hamby
Who is fatal Atlanta Beltline stabbing suspect?
The suspect in the fatal Atlanta Beltline stabbing over the weekend has been identified as Johnathan Hamby, who has a lengthy criminal history. He waived his first court appearance on Monday morning.
ATLANTA - The man accused of fatally stabbing a 29-year-old on the Atlanta Beltline waived his first court appearance Monday as new details emerged about his extensive criminal history.
ORIGINAL STORY: Fatal Atlanta Beltline stabbing: Felon with 30 arrests named suspect
What we know:
Atlanta police have charged 54-year-old Jonathan Hamby with murder and aggravated assault in the death of Ramon Harris.
Police say Hamby has 30 previous arrest cycles, is a convicted felon and was on active probation for an aggravated assault when Sunday's deadly stabbing happened.
What arrest warrant says happened
What they're saying:
According to the arrest warrant, Hamby was arguing with two men on the Beltline near the Kroger on Ponce de Leon Avenue when he threatened to stab them.
The warrant alleges Hamby then lunged at Harris and stabbed him in the neck. Harris died at the scene.
Officers quickly took Hamby into custody and recovered what investigators believe was the weapon used in the killing.
Police have said Hamby and Harris did not know each other before the confrontation.
Suspect has lengthy criminal history
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Hamby has been arrested repeatedly over the years.
"Mr. Hamby has an extensive criminal history and has been arrested multiple times by law enforcement, and we're currently showing 30 previous arrest cycles," Schierbaum said.
Police said Hamby is a convicted felon and was on active probation in connection with an aggravated assault in Brookhaven.
Hamby had also previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a knife.
Mayor questions why Hamby was free
What they're saying:
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens raised questions Monday about how someone with Hamby's criminal history was again in a position to endanger the public.
PREVIOUS STORY: Atlanta mayor demands action after deadly Beltline stabbing
Dickens said Hamby's record and history of mental illness warrant a broader examination of the systems dealing with behavioral health, repeat offenders and public safety.
"Those facts demand that we examine the systems surrounding behavioral health, repeat offenders and public safety, and address any failures plainly with the partners responsible for those systems," Dickens said.
The mayor has also ordered Atlanta's public safety and Beltline teams to review safety measures following the killing, including patrols, camera coverage and emergency response.