GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Oconee County

Oconee County, GA (September 22, 2020) - The subject in this OIS has been identified as Julia Moss, age 40, of Athens, GA.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Oconee County, GA (September 21, 2020) – On Monday, September 21, 2020, at approximately 11:03 a.m., the GBI was requested by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 10:26 a.m., OCSO deputies responded to a domestic dispute 911 call at 1001 Creek View Court in Athens, Oconee County. Deputies met with the male caller who said a woman inside the residence had hit him in the head with an object and was being aggressive toward him. Deputies entered the residence and located the woman who was armed with a knife and was holding a lit blowtorch. For approximately 17 minutes, two deputies attempted to resolve the situation by telling her to put the knife down. At one point, the female made a verbal threat and charged at the deputies while still holding the knife. One deputy fired multiple times, striking the female. The deputies called for emergency medical assistance and provided aid to the female; however, she died on the scene.

It was also determined that another male was barricaded inside the residence who had been hiding from the female for several hours due to her aggressive behavior. 

No deputies were injured during the incident. The female subject will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once completed, it will be turned over to the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.