Man Is Shot, Killed during Break-in

Last Thursday, May 19, at approximately 9:30 p.m. the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI Milledgeville office to investigate a shooting incident in Monticello.

Around 9 p.m. Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Benton Street, where initial information indicated that an intruder entered that residence and was shot by the occupant.

At this time the investigation has revealed that Eddie Frank Smith, 69 years old, lives at this residence alone, is a Vietnam veteran, and is confined to a wheelchair, said the GBI announcement.

At the time of the incident, Andre Smith, 22 years old, (no known relation to Eddie Frank Smith) forced entry into the residence through a rear door.

Eddie Frank Smith was inside, heard the rear door breaking, and went to investigate the noise. Upon contact, Andre Smith lunged toward Eddie Frank Smith, and Eddie Frank Smith fired a single shot at Andre, striking him in the chest. Andre Smith then fled from the residence, but collapsed on Benton Street about 100 yards from the residence, the announcement said.

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Neighbors saw Andre in the road, and called 911. Eddie Frank Smith also called 911 to report the incident. Andre Smith was transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital, but died at the hospital, according to the GBI. An autopsy has been completed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur, confirming Andre Smith died from a single gunshot wound. Upon completion of the investigation, the case file will be turned over to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Persons arrested in the last week, and their charges, include:

•Felton Stephen Walker, 59, Monticello—parole violation and battery.

•Jesse Hunter Pope, 20, Monticello—probation violation.

•Chesla Michelle Rodriguez, 24, Conyers—child support.

•Charles Chance Pickett, 26, Monticello—hold for warrant in Newton County.

•Melinda Beth Hill, 37, Monticello—probation violation.

•Adam Wayne Baker, 27, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Tiffany Marie Baker, 28, Mansfield—possession of marijuana less than an ounce, battery and cruelty to children.

•Kytrone Ramon Williams, 38, Shady Dale—possession of marijuana less than an ounce, public drunkenness and criminal trespass.

•James Edward Thurman, Jr., 38, Hillsboro—possession of marijuana less than an ounce, public drunkenness and criminal trespass.

•Mario Bernard Thurman, 44, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than an ounce, public drunkenness, giving false name or address to law enforcement officers and criminal trespass.

•Philip Wesley Proctor, 47, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than an ounce, criminal trespass and public drunkenness.

•Tavares Marques Jackson, 35, Monticello—hold for warrant in Rockdale County.

•Angela Kay Andrews, 49, Warner Robins—Jasper County Superior Court bench warrant.

•Richard Wayne Causey, 47, Mansfield—hold for warrant in Walton County.

•Richard Andrew Chambers, 51, Rocky Face—possession of marijuana less than an ounce and littering highway.