GBI Investigating Death of Douglas Man Following Incident Outside Dollar General

COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is examining the death of a 21-year-old Douglas man following an incident involving deputies outside a Dollar General store in Coffee County.

According to the GBI, the agency was requested by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Marquese Levone Ross, 21, of Douglas.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, a 911 caller reported a man firing a gun outside the Dollar General located at 4736 East Baker Highway in Douglas.

When Coffee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived, they observed Ross sitting inside a vehicle while holding what authorities described as an AR-style handgun.

Investigators said a deputy issued verbal commands to Ross, but he did not comply.

Moments later, deputies heard a gunshot coming from inside the vehicle.

When deputies approached the vehicle, they found Ross suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ross was pronounced dead at the scene.

The GBI stated that, at this time, investigators have found no indication that Ross fired his weapon at responding deputies. Authorities also reported that no deputies discharged their firearms during the incident.

Ross’s body will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab, where an autopsy will be performed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The GBI’s investigation remains active. Once completed, the case file will be turned over to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.