Deep Step, GA – On Friday, July 7, 2017, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an in-custody death.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 7:20 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a suspicious person call in the town of Deep Step.  Deputies responded and made contact with Eurie Lee Martin, 58, of Milledgeville, who was walking along Deep Step Road.  During the call, a physical altercation occurred between Martin and law enforcement officers.  Deputies deployed a Taser during the incident.  Martin was arrested and secured in handcuffs. 

Shortly after the altercation, Martin appeared to be in respiratory distress.  EMS, who had arrived during the call, provided medical intervention, but Martin died at the scene. An autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.

Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. The GBI will continue its independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. Upon completion, it will be turned over to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Scott Whitley - Special Agent in Charge | Eastman | 478/374-6988