Suspect wanted in Henry County officer’s death is dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Clayton County apartment complex was put on lockdown Tuesday night after investigators said the man wanted in the death of a Henry County police officer was found dead.

Police sources told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne Tuesday night that Jordan Jackson was found dead inside a Riverdale apartment from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Clayton County police chief would later confirm the death in a late-night news conference.

Jackson was wanted for allegedly shooting Henry County Police Officer Paramhans Desai.

Desai was shot on Nov. 4 when police said he responded to a domestic call near Keys Ferry Road in McDonough. The 38-year-old father of two died Monday night from his injuries.

Soon after the shooting, a nationwide manhunt began for Jackson that led them to Riverdale Tuesday night.

Investigators said Clayton County police were tipped off to Jackson’s whereabouts around 5 p.m. at the Chateau Forest Apartments.

“Teams were dispatched to this location where surveillance was set up. Ultimately, (the) Clayton County Police Department SWAT team was called in to clear the residence. Mr. Jackson was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Henry County Police Chief Mark Amerman said.

“Jordan Jackson was found hiding out with some friends in Clayton County. After barricading himself in a room, SWAT Teams addressed the situation utilizing tactful methods which resulted in authorities being feet away from Jordan. The suspect took his own life seconds before being captured,” the Henry County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

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“Let this be a warning and reminder to anyone contemplating any crime let alone a crime of this magnitude where it involves one of our own. It doesn’t matter how many days it takes, how much sleep we lose, we will hunt you down and find you. To the family of Officer Desai, this will not take away the pain but, hopefully they can get some rest and start the healing process,” Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett said.

During the news conference Tuesday, Amerman remembered Desai as the type of police officer any chief could ask for.

“He loved his job. He loved coming to work every day. He loves serving his community. He was a beacon of light,” Amerman said.

Awona Love is Desai’s neighbor and she said she is still in shock over his death.

“I can’t question God but I don’t understand this one. That was my friend,” Love said. “I’m just so distraught. I don’t know how we going to get through him not being here. That was my friend.”

Retired Atlanta police Sgt. Warren Pickard said domestic violence calls are some of the most dangerous calls officers respond to.

“Most of the time when we get there it’s already out of control,” Pickard said. “We’re dealing with emotions at their highest.”

As of Tuesday, a $70,000 reward had been offered to find Desai’s killer. There is no word yet if someone will be getting that reward.

Desai joined the department in 2020 and was a veteran officer who also worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections and DeKalb County Police. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

The Henry County Police Department said they have set up a fund for donations to Desai’s family.

Donations can be made through the “Ralph Easterwood Angel Wings for Warriors Benevolence Fund.” The Ralph Easterwood Angel Wings for Warriors Benevolence Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organized for the sole purpose of helping the families of sworn, non-sworn and civilian employees, of all first responders.

Donations will also be accepted at the Henry County Police Department, located at 108 South Zack Hinton Parkway McDonough, GA 30253.

Donations can be sent via Cash App to $Wings4Warriors.

A GoFundMe account has also been set up to help out Desai’s family.

RELATED NEWS:

Reward doubled in search for suspect accused of killing Henry County officer Officer Paramhans Desai was killed on Nov. 4 when police said he responded to a domestic call near Key’s Ferry Road in McDonough.

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