GBI: SPD Officer not responsible for fatal gunshot wound

In a press conference Wednesday morning, Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Bahan Rich said the incident which resulted in the death of an armed robbery suspect in Statesboro Tuesday morning is not due to the discharge of the firearm of Statesboro Police Officer Adam Paquette.

The suspect, now identified as Olajuwon James of Hinesville, died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the GBI crime lab in Savannah. Officer Paquette did fire his weapons twice, though neither shot hit the suspect.

Officer Paquette remains on administative leave pending the completion of the internal investigation, Deputy Chief Rob Bryan said Wednesday. “He’s doing as well as to be expected given the circumstances and what he’s seen.”

Bryan also noted that conflicting reports have made it unclear as to whether another suspect was involved in Tuesday’s incident. The Statesboro Police Department is still investigating the armed home invasion.

Mayor Jan Moore  said Tuesday was a sad day for the family of the victims as well as the city. She thanked the Bulloch Sheriff ‘s Office, the Georgia Southern University Police Department, and the GBI for their help.

Check back with this article as it continues to be updated.

Watch the press conference in its entirety here: