Cobb County

Family files lawsuit after death of man at the hands of Cobb police in 2018

MARIETTA, Ga. — Police are under the microscope following the deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks.

Now, another local case is at the center of a federal lawsuit.

Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Chris Jose is in Marietta, where Sanchez Lowe was killed by police in the parking lot of the Guest Inn in Austell in April of 2018.

Sanchez' family has filed a lawsuit because they want charges and a conviction against the officers alleging wrongful death, excessive use of force, assault and battery and false arrest.

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Jose picked up copies of police body camera footage from that night that show the final moments of Sanchez’ life. His sister, Biance Billingsly, still can’t watch the video.

“I can’t. I can’t just sit her and watch what happened,” Billingsly said. “We need justice for my brother, for Sanchez Lowe.”

Officers were patrolling the motel when they noticed the smell of marijuana. Officers questioned two other people for about a half an hour. Video shows Lowe leave the motel room and officers going after him.

The video shows one officer screaming that he is going to shoot Sanchez in the head. Moments later, an officer fired three shots, killing Sanchez.

Billingsly said she thinks the officers lacked proper training and violated her brother's rights.

“We’re never going to see our brother again. And it’s not fair that you can go home and see your family,” Billingsly said.

A grand jury recommended no action be taken against the officers.

Cobb County spokesman released this statement:

“The loss of human life during any police encounter brings sorrow and sadness to the officers involved and the County as a whole.  However, a GBI investigation found the use of lethal force against Sanchez Lowe was justified after he committed aggravated assault and battery against Cobb County police officers by using his vehicle as a deadly weapon to evade apprehension.  Drugs and a firearm located among Mr. Lowe’s belongings, along with his outstanding criminal warrants, gave Mr. Lowe motive to evade police custody.  The results of the GBI investigation were presented by the Cobb County District Attorney to a Grand Jury in 2018.  The Grand Jury recommended no action be taken against the officers involved.  We feel confident the United States District Court will reach the same conclusion in the months to come.”

Cobb County police issued a statement saying:

“As are all officer involved shootings within Cobb County Police Department, this one was investigated by the GBI and the findings were turned over to the Cobb DA and the Cobb Grand Jury. That is all a matter of public record. As this is an active lawsuit the police department will not make any comments about specifics and will refer all inquiries to the county attorney’s office.”