FORT VALLEY, Ga. — The Fort Valley Police Department spoke to the press on Monday after a reserve sergeant was connected to a DeKalb County murder-suicide.
DeKalb County Police said one of their own, Michael Durieux, shot 37-year-old Christian Chestnut several times Friday night.
Fort Valley Police Chief DJ Flores held a press conference Monday afternoon to address the shooting.
"We at the Fort Valley Police Department continue to be shocked, angered, and deeply saddened," Flores read in his opening statement.
Durieux was a part-time reserve sergeant with Fort Valley Police. Durieux would volunteer to work community events and provide support for calls if need be.
Friday evening, Flores said there was a domestic situation between Durieux, his wife and her childhood friend Christian Chestnut.
The situation escalated to a physical fight, which then led to Durieux shooting Chestnut.
"Mr. Chestnut fell to the ground and...reserve officer Durieux continued to discharge his firearm and where the victim succumbed to his injuries," Flores said.
Flores said after that Durieux got in his car and drove away. He crashed into multiple vehicles causing his car to be disabled.
When police were waiting to approach his vehicle, they heard a single gunshot. Flores said Durieux had apparently taken his own life.
Reserve Major Antonius Evans worked directly with Durieux. He said he was saddened to hear the news.
"I hate that even the officer who was involved with it, Sergeant Durieux, that his legacy will be attached to this heinous event," Evans said.
He said Durieux was a funny and relatable guy who loved his job.
"There was never any judgment placed on anyone that he came in contact with. He was one of those officers that would laugh you through whatever situation you were going through," Evans said.
Evans also said Durieux was one of the most dedicated and well-trained officers.
Durieux's training history from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council shows he's collected over 1,500 hours in training since the start of his career in 2009.
In response to this incident, Chief Flores wants to bring in more support for his officers to possibly prevent something like this from happening again.
"I am currently working with a mental health professional to try to bring those services to the city of Fort Valley's Police Department and its reserve program," Flores said.
Durieux's wife is also a reserve officer with Fort Valley PD. She went through the training process with her husband.
Chief Flores said the whole situation is sad because lives were lost and both families have to move on without fathers.