After a thorough review of the evidence, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has made a decision regarding the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of John Robert Smith, Jr. The incident occurred at the Atlanta VA Medical Center on January 29, 2024.
District Attorney Boston and her team recently met with Mr. Smith's family to discuss the details of the case. This meeting included showing them footage from the officer’s body-worn camera capturing the events leading to Mr. Smith's death.
DA Boston stated, "Mr. Smith’s death is a painful reminder of the struggles our veterans face, even long after their service officially ends. We grieve with his family and offer them our deepest condolences."
The investigation revealed that Mr. Smith had gone to the VA Hospital expressing thoughts of self-harm or harming others. During his admission process, he retrieved a knife from his belongings, prompting multiple officers from the VA Police Department to respond. Body camera footage indicated efforts by officers to de-escalate the situation by asking Mr. Smith to drop his weapon.
At one point during this confrontation, Mr. Smith followed a hospital employee into an enclosed room and advanced towards him with the knife. An officer, fearing for the employee’s safety, discharged his firearm at Mr. Smith who was subsequently struck by gunfire.
Despite immediate medical assistance provided by officers and healthcare professionals present at the scene, Mr. Smith did not survive his injuries.
District Attorney Boston concluded that under current law, "the officer who shot Mr. Smith was justified in his use of force," leading to no charges being filed against him and closure of this case.