GBI Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting That Left Chatsworth Man Dead

Chatsworth, GA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is examining an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a Chatsworth man Friday afternoon.

According to officials, the Murray County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate the incident that occurred on March 6th at around 12:30 p.m. at a residence in the 100 block of Indian Trace.

Authorities identified the deceased as 48-year-old Benjamin Yates Thorne of Chatsworth. No deputies were injured during the incident.

Preliminary information indicates a Murray County deputy was dispatched to the home regarding a request from a resident who needed assistance retrieving property from another individual living at the residence.

When the deputy and the resident arrived in the backyard, they encountered Thorne, who was armed with a handgun.

Investigators said Thorne pointed the handgun toward the deputy. The deputy fired at Thorne, and during the encounter Thorne shot himself.

Thorne was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said Thorne’s body will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be conducted.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be submitted to the Murray County District Attorney’s Office for review.