Atlanta Beltline stabbing suspect | What we know about Johnathan Hamby
Breaking down Beltline stabbing suspect's criminal history
Police arrested a 54-year-old man with a long criminal history following a fatal stabbing on the Atlanta Beltline Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.
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 Johnathan 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 with a knife when Sunday's deadly stabbing happened.
Court records obtained by FOX 5 show Hamby pleaded guilty in 2020, claiming self-defense against a homeless man, and received credit for three years in jail alongside 17 years of probation.
Hamby waived his initial court appearance on Monday in connection with the deadly stabbing.
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.
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 hospital.
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.
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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.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not confirmed when Hamby will make his next court appearance. Police have also not released additional details regarding what triggered the initial argument between the men.