ATLANTA - Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is demanding a review of security on the Atlanta Beltline and answers about how a convicted felon with dozens of previous arrests was once again in a position to endanger the public following a deadly stabbing Sunday.
ORIGINAL STORY: Fatal Atlanta Beltline stabbing: Felon with 30 arrests named suspect
What they're saying:
Dickens issued a statement after seeing video of the attack, which left a 29-year-old man dead and led to the arrest of 54-year-old Johnathan Hamby.
"Atlantans and visitors should be able to enjoy the BeltLine safely," Dickens said.
The mayor said he has directed Atlanta's public safety and Beltline teams to review safety protocols surrounding the attack, including patrols, camera coverage and emergency response.
Mayor questions system for repeat offenders
Dickens also pointed to Hamby's extensive criminal and mental health history, saying the circumstances raise broader questions about the systems dealing with behavioral health and repeat offenders.
"We now know the individual arrested in connection with this attack is a convicted felon with 30 prior arrest cycles and a history of mental illness, raising serious questions about how someone with that record was once again in a position to endanger the public," Dickens said.
The mayor said those facts require city leaders and other agencies to examine potential failures involving behavioral health, repeat offenders and public safety.
"Atlanta will continue doing everything within our power to keep people safe, but we cannot solve these challenges alone," Dickens said.
Suspect was on probation, police say
What we know:
Atlanta police responded to the Beltline near 725 Ponce De Leon Avenue around 4:01 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports of a stabbing.
Officers found the 29-year-old victim suffering from stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Police arrested Hamby at the scene and recovered the knife investigators believe was used in the attack. Authorities said Hamby and the victim did not appear to know each other.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said investigators believe the two men became involved in a verbal argument before it escalated into the stabbing.
According to Schierbaum, Hamby is a convicted felon with 30 previous arrest cycles and was on active probation in connection with an aggravated assault in Brookhaven.
His previous arrests include allegations of battery, aggravated assault, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, obstruction and criminal trespass, according to Fulton County Jail records.
Police are also investigating whether mental health played a role in Sunday's attack.
Second deadly Beltline stabbing this year
Dig deeper:
Officers who were already patrolling nearby were among the first to reach the scene, and Schierbaum said calls to 911 helped police respond quickly.
The killing marks the second deadly stabbing on the Atlanta Beltline this year. In May, a 23-year-old woman was killed in what police described as a random stabbing.
Authorities have not released the name of Sunday's 29-year-old victim or said what sparked the argument that preceded the attack.
OTHER BELTLINE STORIES
- Atlanta Beltline armed thief steals beanie
- Atlanta BeltLine stabbing suspect faces murder charges
- Jahmare Brown identified as Beltline stabber
- Teens take over Atlanta Beltline over the weekend
- Atlanta Beltline shooting leaves one person injured; no word on shooter
- Atlanta Beltline murder trial: Testimony continues on Monday
- Atlanta Beltline murder trial: 2 men on trial for 2022 murder
- Police increase reward after body found along Atlanta BeltLine
- Man with knife robs woman on Atlanta Beltline trail, police say
What's next:
The suspect is due to appear in court on Monday and FOX 5 Atlanta will be there. Additionally, we are speaking to a woman who saw the fatal attack. Check back later for updates and watch this story on FOX LOCAL and FOX 5 Atlanta.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.