Cherokee County deputies shoot armed man, find his mother dead in home

Armed man killed by deputies, mother dead in house, police say

Cherokee County deputies shot and killed an armed 26-year-old man during a welfare check at a home in Acworth. Inside the home, deputies later found the man’s mother dead in an advanced state of decomposition. The GBI is investigating the shooting, and the sheriff’s office is investigating the woman’s death.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Cherokee County deputies shot an armed man outside a home Saturday evening, according to the sheriff's office.

What we know:

Deputies responded to a home on Whisperwood Trail in Acworth for a welfare check. When they arrived, deputies said they encountered an armed man. The deputies shot and killed 26-year-old Andre Alvear outside the house.

One deputy was injured in the encounter. He was treated at a hospital and released.

Officials said that after the shooting, deputies reported smelling decay and went inside the house. Inside, they found the mother of the man shot by deputies. Due to the level of decomposition, the cause of death will be determined by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

She has since been identified as Luisa Penetra. 

What's next:

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the woman’s death.

As per standard practice in the state of Georgia, the GBI will investigate the shooting.

What we don't know:

Officials didn’t say how the officer was injured.