LIVE: Family expected to make ‘major announcement’ after teen shot, killed by Newnan police

The grief in Newnan is palpable, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the pain that ripples through a community when tragedy strikes. Just last month, on October 3rd, an 18-year-old, Zadarious Dorsey, lost his life after being shot by a Newnan police officer. The family, seeking answers and justice, has enlisted renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump and two other attorneys for a Friday news conference expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating event. The promise of accountability and the pursuit of truth are vital components in healing a community fractured by loss.

What Happened

According to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), a Newnan police officer initiated a pursuit of a white car around 1 a.m. on October 3rd, eventually stopping on Cliff Circle. As the officer approached, five men, including Zadarious Dorsey, exited the car; one walked toward a nearby home, while four others ran. The GBI states that during the chase, the officer deployed a Taser before alleging that Dorsey pulled a handgun from his waistband. Following this alleged action, the officer issued commands for Dorsey to drop the weapon before firing several shots. Dorsey was subsequently transported to a hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the rationale behind the initial vehicle stop, leaving many in the community questioning the chain of events that led to this fatal encounter. Dorsey’s family maintains that he was unarmed, pointing to the discovery of a handgun approximately 42 feet from his body as evidence contradicting the officer's account. Coweta County Government residents are rightly concerned about transparency and accountability in this sensitive situation.

The incident was captured on surveillance cameras along Cliff Circle, revealing the entire confrontation unfolded in just two minutes. At 1:11 a.m., an officer in an unmarked vehicle pulled alongside the parked car carrying Dorsey and others; the officer, wearing a visible badge and “POLICE” vest, ordered Dorsey to stop. The fatal shot occurred at 1:13 a.m., with other passengers calmly walking away and the car driven off at 1:23 a.m. The officer’s account states that Dorsey drew a firearm from his waistband and disregarded verbal commands to drop it before shots were fired.

Community Reaction & Background

The news of Zadarious Dorsey's death has ignited a wave of grief and concern throughout Newnan. Demonstrators gathered outside the Newnan Police Department, demanding accountability and expressing outrage over the officer's actions. The family’s insistence that Dorsey was unarmed has further fueled the community’s desire for a thorough and transparent investigation. This sentiment reflects a broader desire within the community for explanations and assurances that similar incidents will be prevented in the future.

“The family has demanded accountability and raised questions about why an officer targeted Dorsey, who was not the subject of a traffic stop or suspected of an active crime,” according to press announcements from attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels. The loss of a young man with his life ahead of him leaves an unfillable void, and the community is understandably seeking solace and answers. Dorsey had prior encounters with the police, including an August 2023 incident at Newnan High School and two past gun arrests. He was barred from possessing weapons under bond conditions from an Oct. 10, 2025, arrest in Coweta County and a Feb. 16 arrest in Carroll County.

Legal Scrutiny and Self-Defense

Coweta County District Attorney Herb Cranford has confirmed that the criminal review will focus solely on whether the Newnan police officer reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect his life. He emphasized that Georgia’s self-defense statutes deem reasonable suspicion irrelevant to justified force, a legal framework which has drawn scrutiny from Dorsey’s legal team and many within the community. Cranford shared findings during closed-door briefings at the Coweta County Justice Center with family attorneys, local clergy, Newnan Mayor James Shepherd and Coweta County Commissioner Al Smith, highlighting the complexity of navigating this sensitive case.

Evidence and Discrepancies

State forensic tests completed Oct. 15 confirmed Dorsey's DNA was on a Canik 9mm pistol found at the scene with an extended magazine and one chambered bullet. Dorsey’s attorneys argue the recovery of the stolen Albany handgun 42 feet diagonally ahead of his body proves he tossed the weapon and was unarmed when shot, contradicting the officer's account. The GBI has not publicly confirmed whether Dorsey threw the weapon while running or still held it when the officer fired.

What's Next

The upcoming news conference, scheduled for Friday at noon at Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home in Newnan, promises to be a pivotal moment. With Ben Crump and other prominent attorneys representing the Dorsey family, the announcement is expected to detail legal strategies and potentially reveal new evidence related to the shooting. The GBI continues its independent investigation, and the District Attorney’s office will evaluate whether evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred. The release of police body camera footage, once the GBI concludes its investigation, is anticipated to provide further clarity on the events leading up to Dorsey’s death.

Devon's Perspective

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between law enforcement’s duty to protect and the importance of upholding individual rights. It’s easy to get caught up in the legal technicalities and differing accounts, but at its core, this is about a young man whose life was cut short, leaving behind a grieving family and a community struggling to understand what happened. The fact that Dorsey had prior encounters with the police, including past gun arrests and a recent violation of bond conditions regarding weapon possession, adds layers of complexity to the situation. However, these past interactions don't negate the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the events of that night.

I hope that as this case progresses, everyone involved—law enforcement, legal professionals, community leaders—will prioritize transparency and open communication. It’s crucial to remember that healing requires more than just legal proceedings; it demands empathy, understanding, and a commitment to preventing future tragedies. Let's pray for the Dorsey family and for our community as we navigate this difficult time, striving to build bridges of trust and accountability.

Resources & Support

The community’s concern extends beyond the immediate legal proceedings. Many residents are seeking ways to support the Dorsey family and understand the broader issues surrounding police accountability. For those wishing to learn more about civil rights advocacy, organizations like the NAACP and the ACLU offer valuable resources and information. The Department of Justice also provides oversight and guidance on law enforcement practices. Families needing grief counseling can find support through local faith-based organizations and mental health providers; the MentalHealth.gov website offers a directory of resources.

The Coweta County School System is providing support to students and staff impacted by this tragedy, and local churches are organizing prayer vigils and community gatherings. Strong families, rooted in faith and commitment, are the bedrock of our communities, and it’s during times like these that we must lean on one another for strength and support. The American dream thrives on justice, fairness, and opportunity for all.

Key Facts & Details

Here’s a recap of the key details surrounding this tragic event: Zadarious Dorsey, 18, was shot and killed by a Newnan police officer on October 3rd at approximately 1:13 a.m. The GBI is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. Dorsey's DNA was found on a stolen Canik 9mm pistol located 42 feet from his body. Police body camera footage will be released once the GBI completes its investigation. Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, alongside Harry Daniels and Gerald Griggs, will hold a news conference Friday at noon to announce further legal action. The incident unfolded over two minutes, captured on surveillance cameras.

The officer involved had three prior encounters with Dorsey, including an August 2023 incident at Newnan High School and two past gun arrests. Dorsey was under bond conditions prohibiting weapon possession stemming from arrests in Coweta and Carroll counties. The District Attorney’s review will focus solely on whether the officer’s use of deadly force was justified based on Georgia’s self-defense statutes. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has not released the final medical examiner autopsy report detailing Dorsey's specific wounds.

This is a developing story, and Atlanta News First will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The pursuit of truth and justice demands unwavering commitment, and we remain dedicated to keeping our community informed. May God grant peace and healing to all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.