4 dead, including Georgia officer, after domestic call becomes killing spree, cops say

Four people are dead, including a police officer, after a domestic violence call ended in a neighborhood killing spree, according to the Clayton County Police Department in Georgia.

At least two other people were wounded, including another officer and a 12-year-old boy who is hospitalized in critical condition, Clayton County Police Chief Kevin Roberts said at press conference.

It happened around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, when officers responded “to multiple calls” in the 3600 block of Jervis Court, a cul-de-sac in the town of Rex. The area is about 20 miles southeast of uptown Atlanta.

“We had calls of possible gunfire, domestic violence and persons down at a residence,” Roberts said. The latter involved reports of “a female lying motionless in the yard.”

“Officers were actually met by a 12-year-old juvenile who had been shot in the face,” Roberts said. “He was able to lead them to the residence.”

“Upon making contact at the front of the residence, they were immediately engaged by a male suspect who was armed with a handgun and fired upon them.”

The suspect fled to the back of the home while officers scrambled for cover, Roberts said.

A police department tactical unit was waiting at the rear of the home, he said, and two officers were struck by bullets in the resulting gunfight. One was killed and the other was wounded in the hand.

“The suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement,” officials said.

“Officers later determined that the man had just shot and killed two women and also shot a 12-year-old boy in the face just prior to officers arriving.”

The fatally shot officer was identified as Clayton County Field Training Officer Henry Laxson. He had been with the department since 2017, officials said.

Identities of the other three who died, including the suspect, have not been released.

The wounded officer was identified by police as Officer Alex Chandler.

This story was originally published December 1, 2021 at 4:33 AM with the headline "4 dead, including Georgia officer, after domestic call becomes killing spree, cops say."