Rockdale deputies shooting: Family sues after unarmed teen shot
A mother’s multi-day cry for psychiatric help for her teenage son ended in gunfire when Rockdale County sheriff’s deputies opened fire on the unarmed youth in their suburban neighborhood. Backed by national civil rights advocates, the family is now launching a public campaign for justice and specialized law enforcement training.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The family of a 19-year-old man shot by a Rockdale County deputy during a mental health crisis is calling for accountability and changes in how law enforcement responds to similar situations.
ORIGINAL STORY: Naked man shot by Rockdale deputy after indecent exposure call
What we know:
Jason Marshall-Haynes and his mother, Dr. Makina Marshall, appeared Wednesday alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump during a news conference in South Fulton to discuss the April shooting and demand justice.
Marshall-Haynes, who now uses a crutch as he recovers from his injuries, stood beside his mother as attorneys played video they said showed deputies opening fire while the teen was naked and experiencing a mental health episode.
Family says calls for help went unanswered
What they’re saying:
Dr. Marshall said she repeatedly sought help for her son in the days leading up to the shooting.
According to her, she contacted 911 for three consecutive days looking for resources and assistance as her son struggled with a mental health crisis.
“You could have done better and you need to be trained for mental health awareness,” Dr. Marshall said. “How to help people who are going through a mental health crisis.”
She added that she wants “accountability” and “justice” for her son.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Georgia echoed the call for accountability, stating in part:
“Unfortunately, his situation is not unique—too many people in Georgia living with mental health conditions cannot find or access the care they need until a crisis escalates to 911. Our state must do better. We need action now to ensure insurance companies and Medicaid providers are held accountable for adequate networks, so families can get timely care before tragedy occurs—not after.
This case highlights a critical issue: every 911 call is a moment of crisis, and law enforcement officers must be equipped to respond appropriately when mental health is involved. Georgia is a national leader in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, a model NAMI Georgia develop that emphasizes de‑escalation, safety, and connecting individuals to care over 15 years ago.
We believe all officers should receive CIT training, because mental health is part of overall health—and a behavioral health crisis requires a specialized, compassionate response.
When individuals and families reach out for help, they a response that prioritizes care, dignity, and de‑escalation whenever possible.”
What happened
The backstory:
The shooting occurred April 13 after Rockdale County deputies responded to an indecent exposure call.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, deputies encountered Marshall-Haynes while he was naked. Authorities previously said deputies attempted non-lethal force before a deputy fired his weapon.
The GBI said in April that deputies used non-lethal measures before resorting to deadly force. The agency has not released the deputy’s name.
The Rockdale County sheriff previously said the deputy who fired the weapon was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
Investigation continues
What’s next:
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation remains the lead agency in the case and continues to investigate the shooting.
The family and their attorneys said they hope the case leads to greater accountability and improved training for officers responding to people experiencing mental health emergencies.
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Statement from Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office
The other side:
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement after the news conference:
On April 13, 2026, the Rockdale County 911 communications center received several calls of a naked
young black male wearing a ski mask in the area of Avalon Pkwy and McCalla Rd, which is near
Peek’s Chapel Elementary School.
Deputies were dispatched to the indecent exposure call, and Deputy Summers was the first to arrive
and make contact with the individual. Deputy Summers gave verbal commands to the individual, but
he refused to comply. Deputy Summers deployed his pepper spray, but it was not effective. Deputy
Summers then deployed his taser which was also not effective. The individual charged toward Deputy
Summers at which time Deputy Summers drew his service weapon and fired twice striking the
individual. The individual continued to run toward Deputy Summers by this time Deputy Burrell had
arrived on scene and deployed his taser. The individual fell to the ground and Deputies restrained the
individual and started rendering aid with tourniquets until EMS arrived and started treatment.
The status of the GBI investigation is still open and active.
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office cannot speak on what the family is claiming however our
deputy’s followed policy and procedure in all levels of force used during this incident. The Rockdale
County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Professional Standards investigated the use of force and cleared
both Deputies. Both Deputies have returned to duty.
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office hosts annual online and in-person training for autism and descalation, mental health and first aid training, and diminished capacity training that all deputies are
required to attend. Additionally, the RCSO has a full-time mental health clinician, and deputies meet
with this person during their field training. The Sheriff’s Office hosts Crisis Response and Intervention
Training as well as ethics and professionalism and use of force annually.
Body cam footage will be released after the GBI has closed their investigation.