On January 12, 1983, Special Agent Frank M. Ellerbee was killed while executing search and arrest warrants at a home in McIntosh County. At the time, Special Agent Ellerbee was working undercover with the GBI’s Special Coastal Area Narcotics Unit, investigating major drug dealers on the Georgia coast.

SA Ellerbee, along with McIntosh County deputies and other GBI agents, were searching the home of a suspect for drugs. The suspect had sold marijuana and cocaine to SA Ellerbee on previous occasions during undercover operations. SA Ellerbee, tagging evidence, was sitting at the dining room table with his back to the kitchen area. The suspect approached Agent Ellerbee from behind, stabbing him numerous times in the back before being subdued. SA Ellerbee died en route to the hospital.

Agent Ellerbee was a United States Army Vietnam veteran and served with the GBI for nearly seven years before his death, assigned to the Savannah-Coastal Narcotics squad.

Those who knew him often said his smile lit up the room, and that he always said the kindest things. He was an inspiring role model to all who knew him.

The GBI remembers and honors Special Agent Frank M. Ellerbee. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.