Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy Killed by Boyfriend Who Also Shot Her Teenage Son During Domestic Dispute
FORSYTH COUNTY, GA – A longtime Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Deputy was fatally shot by her boyfriend during a violent domestic dispute that also left her teenage son wounded, authorities confirmed.
Deputy Identified as Victim
Officials identified the victim as Master Deputy Tamara Tuitt-Bartlett, who had served the department for nearly 20 years. She was off duty when her boyfriend, 43-year-old Eric Sumner, allegedly opened fire inside her home on Saturday.
Deputies responded after a neighbor called 911, reporting that Bartlett’s son appeared at their door bleeding from gunshot wounds. The teen told the neighbor his mother was in an argument with Sumner, who was “shooting a gun,” according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office .
Scene and Arrest
Responding officers found Bartlett dead in her bedroom. Sumner had already fled the scene in his vehicle but was captured later in Monroe County and taken into custody. He has since been extradited back to Forsyth County, where he is being held without bond.
The boy was rushed to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition, according to WSB-TV .
Protective Order Filed Earlier This Year
Court records show Bartlett had filed for a protective order against Sumner in April, but the case was dismissed. It is unclear why the order was not upheld.
Sumner now faces charges of murder of a family member with a gun and two counts of aggravated assault with a gun. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Department’s Statement
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office posted a tribute to Bartlett on Facebook, writing: “Master Deputy Tuitt-Bartlett served our community for nearly 20 years with unwavering dedication, compassion, and integrity, truly embodying the core values of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Her commitment to protecting and serving made a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing and working alongside her.”
Community Impact
The killing has rattled law enforcement and the Gwinnett County community, highlighting the dangers of domestic violence, even among those trained to respond to it. Advocates stress the importance of stronger enforcement of protective orders to safeguard at-risk individuals.
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