The Roswell community is mourning the loss of 24-year-old police officer Jeremy Labonte, who was fatally shot while responding to a call near a local shopping center. The incident occurred late Friday night at the King Market shopping center on Market Blvd. Officer Labonte was responding to a report of a suspicious person when he encountered 23-year-old Edward Espinoza, who allegedly fired several shots at Labonte. The officer was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, this is the third officer-involved shooting in Roswell this year, as reported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Previous incidents include a SWAT officer being shot on January 17 but surviving due to a bulletproof vest, and an officer-involved shooting on January 8 where the suspect was tasered and later shot, but is in stable condition. Prior to this, Roswell Police had not lost an officer in the line of duty since 1986.
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson told FOX 5 Atlanta, "He stood side by side with his D-squad brothers and sisters, serving with honor, integrity and an unshakeable sense of duty," in reference to Labonte’s dedication to public service.
The shooter, Espinoza, now faces charges of murder, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and others, according to Atlanta News First. He is currently being held in Fulton County Jail.
Officer Labonte, who joined the force on November 1, 2021, has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the community and fellow law enforcement agencies. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, sharing on X, "Tonight, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones of a Roswell Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers." Labonte leaves behind a wife, whom he married three years ago, as reported by Atlanta News First.
Tonight, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones of a Roswell Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join…
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) February 8, 2025
To honor Jeremy Labonte’s memory, the Roswell Police Department has arranged a memorial vehicle where tributes can be left. Donations can also be made to a PayPal fund set up to support the Labonte family during this difficult time. Additional resources, such as meal delivery for the grieving department.
