UPDATE (July 16, 12:10 p.m.): The Georgia Bureau of Investigations released the identity of the two deceased individuals in the Monday night officer-involved shooting in Porterdale.
The deceased female was identified as Erin Rene Smith, 40.
"A preliminary examination indicates she (Smith) died of gunshot wounds," according to the GBI news release.
The male was identified as Daryl Johannesson, 56.
Johannesson was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered from the closet.
Autopsies will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.
"The GBI will continue its independent investigation," according to the release. "Once complete, it will be turned over to the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review."
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UPDATE (July 16, 11:15 a.m.): The Georgia Bureau of Investigations confirmed both a male and female are dead following an officer-involved shooting in Porterdale Monday, July 15 around 9:24 p.m.
According to a GBI statement, Porterdale Police Department was dispatched to 35 Magan Court in reference to a "domestic disturbance with gunshots." The officer reported noticing blood in the driveway.
Newton County Sheriff's Office deputies also responded to the scene, as well as the NCSO SWAT team.
"While searching the house, deputies located a male subject in an upstairs closet," according to the statement. "During the encounter, one SWAT team member fired his weapon. The male was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered in the closet. A deceased female was found in the garage of the home."
Tammy Watkins lives in the house next to where the incident occurred. Watkins told The News that the man and woman involved in the incident were husband and wife.
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PORTERDALE, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is on scene in Porterdale for an officer-involved shooting this morning.
According to a statement published on the GBI’s Twitter, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Porterdale Police Department requested the GBI’s assistance.
GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of Porterdale PD and Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Public Affairs will issue a press release with details at the appropriate time.
— GA Bureau of Invest (@GBI_GA) July 16, 2019
Newton County Coroner Tommy Davis told The Covington News that his office is involved in an investigation in Porterdale this morning.
Porterdale Police Chief Jason Cripps also told The News that the incident began as a domestic.
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The Covington News will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
Staff Writer Caitlin Jett contributed to this report.
