A Chatham County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman says the Pooler man who died Monday during a confrontation with deputies was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
An autopsy conducted Tuesday on Jeffrey Adam Beckworth at the GBI’s crime lab in Savannah supports the initial report made at the scene, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Gena Bilbo.
Deputies with the sheriff’s Fugitive Squad arrived at Beckworth’s residence Monday to serve a bench warrant when he ran from the front yard, then turned and aimed a handgun at the deputy who was pursuing him, Bilbo said.
The deputy fired one round from about 40 yards, which apparently missed Beckworth, she said.
Prior to the deputy re-engaging, Beckworth took his own life, Bilbo said. This is consistent with the interviews and physical evidence collected by Pooler police, who were asked by the sheriff’s office to investigate externally, she said.
All of that evidence has been released to the crime lab for further examination.
Beckworth was being sought by the sheriff’s Fugitive Squad for failure to appear in court to answer a charge of aggravated battery, violation of parole, and felony probation violations stemming from events that occurred Sept. 26, 2010 in Garden City, Bilbo said.
At the time of incident, Beckworth was on felony probation from a prior conviction in Bulloch County and prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms.
The investigation by Pooler police and the sheriff’s office is ongoing.