DA releases updates in fatal officer-involved shooting

The image of a young man’s final moments, captured on body camera and now shared with the world, is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the weight of decisions made in split seconds. Just weeks ago, Newnan was grappling with the loss of 18-year-old Zadarious Dorsey, whose death in a police-involved shooting ignited grief, questions, and a demand for answers. This week, the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office released a detailed timeline, autopsy photos, and body camera stills related to the incident, hoping to shed light on the events surrounding his death and the subsequent wrongful death claim filed by his family. The release of these materials underscores the community’s urgent need for transparency and accountability as we navigate this difficult chapter.

What Happened

On October 3, 2023, an officer in an unmarked vehicle attempted to stop a Ford Taurus carrying Zadarious Dorsey and several passengers on Cliff Circle in Newnan. According to a timeline released by the Coweta County District Attorney’s Office, the officer recognized Dorsey and called him by his nickname, “Dae Dae,” before ordering him to stop. Dorsey then fled on foot, prompting a pursuit and ultimately, a fatal encounter. The officer deployed a taser at 1:13:45 a.m., shouted “drop the gun,” and fired six rounds one second later. Dorsey responded with the words, “I dropped it yo,” two seconds after the gunfire, as officers radioed dispatch reporting shots fired. Emergency responders applied chest seals and tourniquets, beginning CPR after Dorsey lost his pulse at 1:20 a.m.; paramedics arrived on scene at 1:27 a.m., though weather conditions grounded emergency helicopters. The incident unfolded entirely within two minutes, captured by surveillance cameras along Cliff Circle.

Investigators recovered a stolen Canik 9mm pistol with an extended magazine and one chambered bullet 42 feet diagonally ahead of Dorsey's body. Phone records revealed an Instagram photo of the recovered firearm was sent to Dorsey days earlier. Dorsey, 18, was facing bond conditions barring him from possessing weapons stemming from arrests in Coweta County on October 10, 2025, and in Carroll County on February 16. The District Attorney’s timeline aims to provide a factual account of the events leading up to and following the shooting, a critical step in addressing the community’s concerns and the family’s legal action. The family of Zadarious Dorsey has filed a $75 million wrongful death claim against the City of Newnan.

Community Reaction

The release of the timeline and photos has intensified the community’s grief and fueled calls for accountability. Attorneys representing Dorsey’s family, including prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, have been vocal in their criticism of the officer’s actions. “The video clearly shows that the officer had no reason to believe that Zadarious ever had a gun,” stated attorney Harry Daniels. “Zadarious had the legal right to run from a man with a gun even if that man also had a badge.” The family’s legal team contends that Dorsey was not facing any active warrants or traffic stop investigations at the time of the encounter, further questioning the justification for the officer’s actions. The legal team noted that investigators recovered the stolen Albany firearm 42 feet diagonally ahead of Dorsey's body, which they argue proves he dropped the weapon before the fatal shot.

Legal Arguments and Supreme Court Precedent

The attorneys representing Dorsey’s family have referenced Supreme Court rulings to bolster their arguments. They cited a 2020 Georgia Supreme Court determination affirming the right to resist unlawful arrest and a 2000 United States Supreme Court ruling limiting the use of deadly force to prevent escape. These legal precedents underscore the family's belief that Dorsey’s actions were justified and that the officer’s response was excessive. Attorneys Harry Daniels, Ben Crump, Graylin Ward and Gerald Griggs are representing Dorsey’s family in the legal action. The family argues that video evidence shows the teen posed no active danger when the officer opened fire.

What’s Next

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) continues to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. District Attorney Herb Cranford stated his office will evaluate whether evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred. Cranford confirmed the criminal review focuses strictly on whether the Newnan police officer reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect his life, taking no position on whether the officer had legal grounds to stop Dorsey, emphasizing that Georgia self-defense statutes make reasonable suspicion legally irrelevant to justified force. The full 43-minute body camera recording, currently being edited to blur Dorsey’s suffering at the family’s request, will be released to the public at a later date. The District Attorney’s office has shared findings in closed-door briefings with family attorneys, local clergy, Newnan Mayor James Shepherd, and Coweta County Commissioner Al Smith. The GBI’s investigation and subsequent findings will be crucial in determining the next steps and ensuring a thorough examination of the events that led to Dorsey’s death.

Jamal's Take

As a community, we are called to seek justice and healing in the wake of this tragedy. The release of these materials, while painful to view, represents a step toward transparency. It’s easy to get lost in legal arguments and technicalities, but at the heart of this matter is a young man whose life was cut short, and a family grieving an unimaginable loss. It’s also a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement – the split-second decisions they must make, often under immense pressure. The legal precedents cited by the family's attorneys highlight the delicate balance between an officer's right to use force and an individual's right to resist unlawful action. I believe it’s vital that we, as a community, engage in respectful dialogue, listen to all voices, and strive to understand the complexities of this situation. Ultimately, we must work together to build a community where all residents feel safe and valued, and where tragedies like this are prevented from happening again. It’s a time for prayerful reflection and a renewed commitment to fostering understanding and reconciliation.

Resources

The Newnan community is encouraged to seek support and information from the following resources: Newnan Police Department, Coweta County Government, the Atlanta Civil Rights Coalition, and local faith-based organizations. Mental health support and grief counseling services are also available through Coweta County’s community outreach programs. The pursuit of justice and healing requires a collective effort, and these resources can provide vital support during this difficult time.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The community’s commitment to seeking truth and accountability will be essential in navigating the path forward and honoring the memory of Zadarious Dorsey. Authorities have not publicly named the Newnan police officer involved in the shooting or stated if that officer remains on administrative leave. State authorities have also not publicly confirmed whether Dorsey threw the weapon while running or still held it when the officer fired.