Atlanta Beltline stabbing leaves man dead near Kroger grocery store; murder suspect in custody

An argument on the Atlanta Beltline escalated Sunday afternoon, leaving one person dead, police said.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said during a news conference that just after 4 p.m., officers responded to a report of a stabbing near the Kroger grocery store at 725 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE. Officers found a 29-year-old man who had been stabbed in the neck.

The man was taken by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died.

"We believe this was an attack that was carried out as a result of an argument that was verbal in nature and quickly escalated," Schierbaum said.

Officers detained 54-year-old Jonathan Hamby at the scene. Schierbaum said police believe Hamby was responsible for the stabbing. He was taken to Atlanta police headquarters for questioning.

Police also recovered a knife they believe was used in the attack.

Fulton County Jail records show Hamby has been booked multiple times since 2011 on charges that included obstruction, battery, criminal trespass, interference with government property, aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. 

Hamby was booked Monday on charges of murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony. 

The victim in the case has been identified as 29-year-old Ramon Harris.

Atlanta Mayor Dickens responds to Beltline stabbing

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said Monday that he asked the city's public safety and Beltline teams to review patrols, camera coverage and the emergency response surrounding the attack.

"After seeing the video of yesterday's heinous attack on the Atlanta Beltline, my prayers are with the victim, his loved ones and everyone forced to witness such a horrific act of violence," Dickens said. "Atlantans and visitors should be able to enjoy the Beltline safely, and I have asked our public safety and Beltline teams to conduct a review of the safety protocols surrounding this incident, including patrols, camera coverage and emergency response."

Dickens said Hamby is a convicted felon with 30 previous arrest cycles and a history of mental illness. He said the case raises questions about the systems addressing behavioral health, repeat offenders and public safety.

"Those facts demand that we examine the systems surrounding behavioral health, repeat offenders and public safety, and address any failures plainly with the partners responsible for those systems," Dickens said. "Atlanta will continue doing everything within our power to keep people safe, but we cannot solve these challenges alone."

Schierbaum said investigators do not believe there is an ongoing danger to people using the Beltline.

"I want to reassure everyone that is watching this statement that there is no threat to anyone that is utilizing the Beltline right now," Schierbaum said.

Investigators from the Atlanta Police Department's homicide and aggravated assault units are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Police said the information remains preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.