The suspect charged in a fatal stabbing near the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail had accumulated 30 prior arrests and was on active probation for an aggravated assault case, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Johnathan Hamby, 54, was arrested Monday and faces charges including murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony in the death of 29-year-old Ramon Harris. The incident occurred near a Kroger grocery store at Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that officers responded to the stabbing around 4:01 p.m. Sunday, finding Harris with an apparent stab wound. Hamby was detained at the scene. Harris was transported to a hospital where he died.
According to an arrest warrant, the altercation began when Hamby was arguing with Harris and another man, during which Hamby allegedly threatened to stab them. The argument escalated, and Hamby then stabbed Harris in the neck. Investigators recovered two knives at the scene.
Schierbaum noted that Hamby's record indicated 30 previous arrests. Records show he had been charged in 2022 with aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. He had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a knife and was a felon on probation.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commented on the incident, stating that Hamby's extensive criminal history raises "serious questions about how someone with that record was once again in a position to endanger the public." Dickens said he has asked the city’s public safety and Beltline teams to review patrol procedures, camera coverage, and emergency response protocols surrounding the attack.
"Atlantans and visitors should be able to enjoy the Beltline safely," Dickens said in a statement, adding that the city must examine systems related to behavioral health, repeat offenders, and public safety, and address any failures with responsible partners. He emphasized that Atlanta cannot solve these challenges alone.
The Atlanta Police Department has indicated that the information is preliminary and the homicide investigation is ongoing. An attorney for Hamby was not listed as of Monday evening.