Ex-DeKalb Cop Torrey Thompson Cleared in Shooting Death

Apr 1, 2011 - 19:13
Apr 1, 2011 - 19:16
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Ex-DeKalb Cop Torrey Thompson Cleared in Shooting Death
The DeKalb County district attorney's office dropped murder charges against a former police officer accused of shooting an unarmed suspect. Torrey Thompson was indicted in 2008, after a storm of protests, over a dozen police involved …

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The DeKalb County district attoey's office dropped murder charges against a former police officer accused of shooting an unarmed suspect. Torrey Thompson was indicted in 2008, after a storm of protests, over a dozen police involved shootings in DeKalb County.

Back in 2008, District Attoey Gwen Keyes Fleming said the shooting death of 21-year-old Lorenzo Matthews was unjustified.

Investigators said they went to the Westgate Manor Apartments looking for an armed robbery suspect. According to police, Matthews ran out the back door and a foot chase ensued. Investigators said Thompson fired, killing Matthews.

An investigation found that Matthews was unarmed. Thompson said he fired because he felt his life was threatened.

A federal grand jury indicted Thompson for Matthews' murder.

There were 31 officer involved shootings in DeKalb County in 2006. This is the only case where a death resulted in criminal charges filed against a DeKalb County officer.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.