Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 22, 1998
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: SO165
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 22, 1998
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Arrested at the scene
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Wimberly was shot and killed after responding to a call of an emotionally disturbed person at the apartment complex he lived at.
He was off duty and approached by other residents of the Hunter's Pointe Apartments, Jimmy Carter Boulevard, who reported that the man, also a resident of the complex, was preaching loudly to an open field, and claiming to be God. Deputy Wimberly was able to calm the suspect down somewhat and get him to return to his apartment. The suspect then exited the apartment and a scuffle ensued.
During the struggle, the suspect was able to gain control of Deputy Wimberly's weapon and shot and killed him. The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding units. He was convicted of Deputy Wimberly murder and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Deputy Wimberly had just moved into the apartment complex that day. He is survived by his wife and three children.