Georgia pastor shot and killed in apparent drug bust mistake

[KittyMom]

http://www.examiner.com/x-19719-Southern-Baptist-Examiner~y2009m9d2-Georgia-pastor-shot-and-killed-in-apparent-drug-deal-mistake

Residents of Lavonia, GA are reporting that Shoal Creek Baptist Church pastor, Jonathan Ayers, was the victim of a shooting fatality at a Shell gas station in the northeast Georgia town of Toccoa. At the hospital where Ayers was taken, his family was told he had been shot by a drug dealer, but it was later revealed that he was shot by Stephens County drug agents in plainclothes.

The story that the officers have told is that when the pastor was leaving the gas station, he struck one of the officers with his car and was driving toward a second officer when shots were fired through the door, one of which struck Ayers. Wounded, he drove away, crashing about a half mile from the station. He died a short while later. No drugs were found in his car, though the woman reportedly in his vehicle was arrested on cocaine charges.

[KittyMom]

http://www.wneg32.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1490:surveillance-video-shows-moments-before-shooting&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=18

Surveillance Video Shows Moments Before Attack

The men in the Escalade were undercover drug agents. Joseph says he saw them shooting as Ayers, the young pastor, tried to back up and get away. "He pulled off and they followed." A short time later, Ayers wrecked his car.

"At that time (of the shooting), I had a parking lot full of people. I mean they could have blown up one of my pumps and that would have been a total mess."


I have to admit, in the times we live in, if some strange car pulled up and guys jumped out with guns I'd drive away too. As for them identifying themselves, if they both were yelling or if he had the radio on, he might not have heard what they were saying. Seems to me the officers shot a little too quickly. imo

[GentleBreeze]

http://www.wneg32.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1490:surveillance-video-shows-moments-before-shooting&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=18

Surveillance Video Shows Moments Before Attack



I have to admit, in the times we live in, if some strange car pulled up and guys jumped out with guns I'd drive away too. As for them identifying themselves, if they both were yelling or if he had the radio on, he might not have heard what they were saying. Seems to me the officers shot a little too quickly. imo

Oh my gosh, Kitty. They killed that poor man for nothing. Who wouldn't try to get away if someone jumped out and pointed guns at them. I know I would.

imo

[KittyMom]

http://www.ajc.com/news/northeast-georgia-pastor-killed-129819.html

Northeast Georgia pastor killed in drug sting
Family says he was innocent bystander

The pastor tried to avoid them, Shirley said, striking one of the agents after putting his car in reverse.

“They yelled, ‘Police. Stop,’” Shirley said.


Here's a thought, he didn't hear them and when he looked all he saw were men with guns...no uniforms, no badges, just ordinary men with guns and no police car anywhere nearby. He probably thought he was being mugged for the money he'd just gotten out of the ATM.

This stinks...it really does. As the story owner said. A parking lot full of people, they could've shot someone pumping gas. Did you notice in the video when he supposedly pulled his car forward in a threatening manner at the officer...I didn't see that at all.

[GentleBreeze]

http://www.ajc.com/news/northeast-georgia-pastor-killed-129819.html

Northeast Georgia pastor killed in drug sting
Family says he was innocent bystander



Here's a thought, he didn't hear them and when he looked all he saw were men with guns...no uniforms, no badges, just ordinary men with guns and no police car anywhere nearby. He probably thought he was being mugged for the money he'd just gotten out of the ATM.

This stinks...it really does. As the story owner said. A parking lot full of people, they could've shot someone pumping gas. Did you notice in the video when he supposedly pulled his car forward in a threatening manner at the officer...I didn't see that at all.


I didn't see that at all. Sometimes I think LE always uses "he tried to hit us with the car" to lessen their own wrongdoings.

I think the poor guy was just trying to get out of there because there were guys with guns drawn and how would he know they were policemen?

imo

[nanieliz]

:cursing::rose:
I live in Lavonia,Ga. This young man was killed in a horrible way. He has a young pregnant wife. I've been in that store many times. It's in a place thats on the way to the Countys only hospital. It's close to the bussiness center of town. Right down from the court house. BUT...it's where a lot of drug and hookers hang out. If you wantted to buy either..they are around.

My SIL is a coip in a neighboring town. So I am pro cop.

These agents were WRONG! They shot a young man who tried to help all. They are trying to cover their asses now. Randy Shirley the new Sheriff in Toccoa,Ga got on TV and tried to stutter thu a explenation,trying to cover up this damn mess.

If I came out of THAT store after going to the ATM and a ESCALADE pulled up blocking me and men jumped out with guns....I would have tried to get away myself!!!!! He wasn't trying to run over ANY ONE!!! He was trying to avoid being robbed!

The agents put many many people in danger. I'm sorry...so so sorry who are living this nighmare. All the people who were put into this nighmare.

So agents...was it worth it?


Nanieliz

[KittyMom]

http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4366&Itemid=53

Georgia Baptist pastor killed in botched drug sting

Ayers' brother-in-law, Matt Carpenter, told AccessNorthGa.com that the family was first informed Ayers died in a traffic accident, and then that he had been shot. Hours later, they learned he died in an officer-involved shooting.

Why all the lies LE? :angry:

[KittyMom]

http://www.wyff4.com/news/20709787/detail.html

Store Owner Talks About Pastor's Shooting
Joseph said although he witnessed the shooting, he didn't know the men involved were undercover officers until later.

"I saw the first gunshot outside," he said. "And I was looking outside, I saw a red Honda car backing up -- backed up where the air machine is and stopped … I thought they were shooting each other. I didn't know they were undercover agents. There was nothing marked."

They shot two more times (after) the second shot, he took off," Joseph said. "… I think whatever they've done is wrong because in a business place and the daytime."


I think it may be time for the good people of Stephens County need to recall the sheriff. He's covering for his men.

[nanieliz]

I am sad that LE are covering their a$$es. Tell the truth.


Here in N.Ga. we have a couple of young pasters that try to help the down and out. Grant Myholtz is one...Jonthan Ayers is another. I could name a couple more. "IF" their was a known drug person in his car before this MURDER,it was because he was trying to help someone.

Randy Shirley shouldn't have stated the things he did. He should have let the GBI talk.


Jonthan will never hold his baby.


Nanieliz in Lavonia,Ga.

[Speak Out]

:cursing::rose:
I live in Lavonia,Ga. This young man was killed in a horrible way. He has a young pregnant wife. I've been in that store many times. It's in a place thats on the way to the Countys only hospital. It's close to the bussiness center of town. Right down from the court house. BUT...it's where a lot of drug and hookers hang out. If you wantted to buy either..they are around.

My SIL is a coip in a neighboring town. So I am pro cop.

These agents were WRONG! They shot a young man who tried to help all. They are trying to cover their asses now. Randy Shirley the new Sheriff in Toccoa,Ga got on TV and tried to stutter thu a explenation,trying to cover up this damn mess.

If I came out of THAT store after going to the ATM and a ESCALADE pulled up blocking me and men jumped out with guns....I would have tried to get away myself!!!!! He wasn't trying to run over ANY ONE!!! He was trying to avoid being robbed!

The agents put many many people in danger. I'm sorry...so so sorry who are living this nighmare. All the people who were put into this nighmare.

So agents...was it worth it?


Nanieliz

I realize that emotions are high right now, but let's pause a minute before making accusations that the situation is being "covered up." This case is NOT being covered up. It is in the process of being investigated.

[nanieliz]

http://jonathanayers.blogspot.com/

[KittyMom]

http://www.ajc.com/news/family-130662.html

Family, store owner wonder if preacher knew the men who shot him were officers

Before he died Wednesday, with bullet wounds to his liver, pastor Jonathan Ayers asked paramedics who shot him.

The store owner, Joe Joseph, said he didn’t know the agents were law enforcement officers and it looked like they were firing at each other.

Before going into surgery, Carpenter said Ayers reassured his wife, 16-weeks pregnant with their first child, that he had done nothing wrong.

“He told Abby ‘I didn’t do anything wrong. I love you. Take care of yourself,’” Carpenter said. “I think he knew he was going to die. But I think he knows where he was going.”

[KittyMom]

I realize that emotions are high right now, but let's pause a minute before making accusations that the situation is being "covered up." This case is NOT being covered up. It is in the process of being investigated.

IMO, when LE is investigating a shooting and don't want info out they simply don't make a comment. Here we have this...
http://www.examiner.com/x-19719-Southern-Baptist-Examiner~y2009m9d2-Georgia-pastor-shot-and-killed-in-apparent-drug-deal-mistake

At the hospital where Ayers was taken, his family was told he had been shot by a drug dealer, but it was later revealed that he was shot by Stephens County drug agents in plainclothes.

http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4366&Itemid=53

Ayers' brother-in-law, Matt Carpenter, told AccessNorthGa.com that the family was first informed Ayers died in a traffic accident, and then that he had been shot. Hours later, they learned he died in an officer-involved shooting.


Not one lie to the family of the shooting victim, but two lies. WHY? Because LE knows they screwed-up. Have you watched the video? I have multiple times. I do not see JA intentionally trying to run over anyone. That is another lie.

3 lies by LE = cover our azzes.

:patriot:

[bruce s]

This sad event has been on my mind since I heard about it. I would like to get one thing straight, after watching the video there was absolutely no reason for the undercover agents to have fired on this innocent man. NO EXCUSES, YOU GUYS MESSED UP BIG TIME AND YOU AND ONLY YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!!! THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN SAY TO TAKE THE BLAME OFF OF YOU. THIS WAS BAD PROTOCOL OR BAD PROCEDURE OR WHAT EVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT, BY SOME TRIGGER HAPPY UNDERCOVER AGENTS, WHO PROBABLY LOOKED LIKE CRIMINALS TO JONATHAN AYERS AND HE WAS JUST TRYING TO GET AWAY. You can't say just because you saw him with a suspect ,that gives you the right to kill him, and the officers were undercover, so Jonanthan probably had no idea who they were. Also how do we no that Jonathan even heard them say police , and giving the manner at which they attacked him, who wouldn't flee for their life. How do we no that the officers are not making up statements , to cover up this mess in hopes that it will get them off the hook. I hope the community ralley's around this family. Please don't let the local or state goverment off the hook on this, put them under extreme pressure to see that justice is done. This was a total screw up from top to bottom and everbody involved should be a suspect and the so called officers that commited this murder should be punished to the full extent of the law, and their supervisors or bosses should be FIRED!!! We don't need law enforcement like this!!! Let me say that I am extremley thankful for good law officers out there, we need you and you do a very good job and important service to our society. What we don't need is bad officers like the one's that killed Jonthan Ayers. I would like to say I am so sorry for his wife and future childs loss, GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE.

[withay]

I think that the officers made a huge mistake and need to just "man-up" and admit it. I watched the video multiple times and I did not see Mr Ayers try to hit anyone. The cop behind him was in his blind spot and he stopped well before coming close to hitting the cop in front. It looked to me like he was just trying to get away froma dangerous situation where bullets were flying that he thought had nothing to do with him.
Many years ago (about 25-30) I and my roomate at the time were caught in our car between fleeing robbers (they had robbed a jewelry store) and the cops and they both had guns. I can tell you that your immediate response when you know you are innocent is to MOVE.
There was no way for him to know they were cops for sure even if they said they were. What is to prevent robbers from shouting that they are cops? And with all of the chaos, how are we to know he even was able to hear them? I also cannot believe they shot in a populated area around gas tanks in a situation that was not "life or death". Its a miracle he was the only innocent killed!

[KittyMom]

http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=222957

'Who shot me?' The last words of a dying minister?

[KittyMom]

I'd like to hear from any witnesses that saw Jonathan after he hit the pole. I want to know if those LE officers that gave chase tried to give him aid until EMS arrived, or did they huddle together getting their stories straight while JA bled out?

[KittyMom]

http://www.wneg32.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1492:authorities-speak-out-on-ayers&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=18

oops...looks like LE told a whooper to media...

Police are now saying that Jonathon Ayers was not the target of a drug investigation. That contradicts what WNEG was told by police on Tuesday.

[wondering?]

What a sad case, could happen to any of us, overzealous undercover cops shooting into a car, so upsetting.
My sympathy goes out to this minister's wife and unborn child as well as his extended family.
This is making me so angry.

[Debb]

I realize that emotions are high right now, but let's pause a minute before making accusations that the situation is being "covered up." This case is NOT being covered up. It is in the process of being investigated.

I agree. I would like to see a full investigation. I certainly don't think it was automatically LE's wrongdoing.

The video that I saw is not of a clear quality to show whether LE had vests on that say POLICE on them, (that is common in busts) nor whether their badges were being displayed. I can easily see how firing at the driver of a car who hit an officer and was headed for another could be appropiate. I'm not condemning this pastor, but just because you are one does not mean you are incapable of doing criminal acts.

I am a very cautious person, but if men with a gun yelled POLICE FREEZE, I would. Unless, you are deaf, most people would do that, unless they were guilty and were tying to escape capture.

[Martek]

I am a very cautious person, but if men with a gun yelled POLICE FREEZE, I would. Unless, you are deaf, most people would do that, unless they were guilty and were tying to escape capture.

I would not automatically "freeze". At least, I hope not!

Any "gang" of men in a fancy SUV and with guns, wanting to do a "gang hit", could simply yell "POLICE FREEZE" and get you to comply?

If they didn't look like police (and from the video, they were "undercover" and did not look like police) - then they appeared as a "gang" from an SUV.

I don't have any idea if this Pastor had or had not done anything wrong; but from viewing the video, I can see it being interpreted as someone attemtping to flee to save their own life from unknown assailants with guns.

That's what it looks like in the video.

Maybe the investigation will turn up something different. But at a glance, it appears that the undercover police "forgot" that to an innocent person it could look like a gang hit attack about to "go down"; and said person might try hard to save their own life from the imminent danger.

Martek

[KittyMom]

I agree. I would like to see a full investigation. I certainly don't think it was automatically LE's wrongdoing.

The video that I saw is not of a clear quality to show whether LE had vests on that say POLICE on them, (that is common in busts) nor whether their badges were being displayed. I can easily see how firing at the driver of a car who hit an officer and was headed for another could be appropiate. I'm not condemning this pastor, but just because you are one does not mean you are incapable of doing criminal acts.

I am a very cautious person, but if men with a gun yelled POLICE FREEZE, I would. Unless, you are deaf, most people would do that, unless they were guilty and were tying to escape capture.

From witness descriptions we learn that the cops were in "plain clothes". That sounds like there was nothing on them that said "POLICE". IIRC, the sherrif claims they were wearing their badges around their necks. I'm pretty sure my eyes would be on the gun, not something dangling around a guys neck.

[KittyMom]

http://www.foxcarolina.com/news/20810610/detail.html

Slain Ga. Pastor's Wife Considers Lawsuit

[KittyMom]

http://www.thehartwellsun.com/articles/2009/09/09/news/news03.txt

Sister of Jonathan Ayers says her brother ‘did nothing wrong'

A 1999 graduate of Franklin County High School, Jonathan was a president of the FFA and a state officer as well. He was liked by teachers and fellow students alike.

“He was an exceptional young man,” FCHS Principal and former agriculture teacher Wayne Randall said of Jonathan. “I taught him for four years. He always put other people's needs in front of his own. He would do anything in the world for you. I was not surprised he became a preacher.”

[KittyMom]

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/01/crimesider/entry5279161.shtml

Steve Huff: Did a Good Deed Lead Pastor Jonathan Ayers to his Death?

[Speak Out]

http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2009/09/10/news/breaking_news/02breakingnews.txt

The woman has been identified.