David Hooks’ case going to Laurens County grand jury

The special prosecuting attorney Chuck Spahos tells 41NBC the grand jury will hear evidence and review witness statements before making a decision to either formally charge the deputy who fatally shot Hooks or dismiss the case. Based on that, Spahos says he will decide “if and how to proceed.”

A Laurens County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed Hooks during a drug raid at his Dublin home on September 24th. The sheriff’s office released a statement saying Hooks was shot after he grabbed a gun and acted aggressively toward deputies.

Sheriff Bill Harrell will not comment on the case any further.

The Hooks’ family attorney claims deputies didn’t follow protocol when they served their search warrant.

Read Spahos’ full statement:

The GBI has completed the investigation into the death of David Hooks, including several follow up issues that I requested after reviewing the file and interviewing witnesses following my appointment as District Attorney Pro Tempore in this case.   The case has been scheduled for presentation to a grand jury in Laurens County for June 18th.  Pursuant to their civil investigatory authority under O.C.G.A. § 15-12-71 (b)(2), the grand jury will hear the evidence, including review of witness statements and all physical evidence, in the case and have the ability to make findings and recommendations related to the incident.  Based on that grand jury’s recommendation, I will decide if and how to proceed in the case.