GBI investigating death of local man

Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 11, 2017

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Officials are investigating the death of a Milledgeville man who died while in Washington County Sheriff’s Office custody.

Eurie Lee Martin, 58, died after deputies deployed a Taser to subdue him during an altercation.

According to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Atlanta Office, Martin was walking along Deepstep Road shortly after 7 p.m. Friday when a person in the area called authorities to report suspicious activity.

When deputies arrived on the scene and began questioning Martin, an altercation broke out and deputies deployed use of a Taser.

After Martin was subdued, deputies placed him in handcuffs at which time “Martin appeared to be in respiratory distress,” according to the press release. 

EMS personnel arrived on the scene and administered treatment to Martin, but were unable to revive him.

Following an autopsy at the GBI Crime Laboratory in Decatur Monday morning, GBI Special Agent in Charge for Region 12 Scott Whitley said further investigation by medical examiners would be needed to determine Martin’s official cause of death.

Results of the GBI’s independent investigation will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for review once completed.

Any person with information about the incident is asked to call the GBI office in Eastman at 478-374-6988.