Special Agent in Charge John T. “Sonny” King, III, was shot and killed at a rural gun shop in Morgan County while attempting to serve a bench warrant for the arrest of a suspect in a homicide investigation. The suspect had already ignored two subpoenas to appear for questioning before the Morgan County grand jury regarding two unsolved murder cases.

SAC King and another GBI agent accompanied the Morgan County Sheriff and one of his deputies to the suspect's gun shop. When the suspect answered the door, SAC King informed the suspect that they had a warrant for his arrest. The suspect pulled out a .45 automatic pistol and shot SAC King, hitting him in the chest. Before he collapsed and died, SAC King managed to return fire, hitting the suspect in the chest. SAC King died almost instantly from his wound. The suspect died several hours later at a local hospital.

Special Agent in Charge King served in law enforcement for 21 years before his death in 1985. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.

Many who knew him described him as a gentle but strong man who was a great law enforcement officer.

The GBI remembers and honors Special Agent in Charge John T. “Sonny” King, III. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.